Google's new 'Trusted Contacts' app lets you track friends and family in real-time

A new personal safety app by Google released on December 5 enables users to follow the movements of "Trusted" contacts in real-time and vice versa.

Google's latest app is advertised as the solution to getting in touch with a person when they aren't necessarily available to talk, such as in a meeting, on a run or, in extreme cases, during a medical emergency.

To respond to privacy concerns, only designated people in the user's address book are able to request their location, which the user can choose to share or not. If, however, the request goes unanswered for more than 5 minutes, the location is shared automatically. The app works even if the phone is not receiving network coverage or has run out of battery.

Questions have been raised about potential abuse of the app, but, according to Lifehacker, Google assures that the app is entirely opt-in, limited only to approved Trusted Contacts, and remains off unless activated.