What is Locket?

‍

A young software developer named Matt Moss missed his girlfriend, so he created an app for her to send random pictures to his iPhone screen throughout the day. It's a good, positive origin story. Next, he created a TikTok explainer video, launched it to the App Store in January 2022, and MILLIONS of downloads later, he has a positive app.

‍

Locket Widget claims to be a safer version of Snapchat. And in many ways, they're correct. It's features are very simple, utilizing the widget feature on iPhones and Androids to send pictures back and forth to friends directly to their home screen. Just a picture. Similar to the calendar app, which shows you today's date on the app without you needing to tap into it (that's what we mean by "widget feature").

‍

It's an app that allows instant, picture-driven communication with friends. Like a "picture" instant message.

‍

What else do Parents need to know about Locket?

‍

• Although the app puts itself up against Snapchat, Locket Widget has almost none of Snapchat's risks. There's no public feed (less content risk), no public map (less predation risk), and it's limited to 20 friends (so it's mostly people you know well).
• Locket Widget leverages what teens love about Snapchat: instant, easy, unpolished, and fun. It’s like a tiny Instagram picture feed right on your screen – with no words. It's refreshing in a complicated, algorithm-fed digital world.
• Because of these attributes, some parents have allowed Locket in place of traditional social media.

‍

Does Locket have any risks? A few:

‍

• Risk - the terms of service state Locket has rights to all photos shared on the app and they can use the photos for any purpose, in any way they want. We haven't found any news proving Locket has abused this provision but it has concerned some parents.
• Risk – Locket asks for access to contacts, but claims they don’t keep them according to their privacy policy.
• Risk – a friend could send an inappropriate picture straight to your home screen but this same risks exists in text messages (unless your child has an iPhone and you've enabled Communication Safety settings).

‍

Does Locket have any parental controls? No, but...

‍

There isn't much to control because of its minimalistic features. Whether an app has parental controls or not, we're big fans of using device-level controls, like Bark, to convey a culture of monitoring in your family. According to Bark's website, their software can:

• Block Locket Widget entirely, if needed.
• Manage when your child can use Locket Widget throughout the day.
• Receive an alert if your child tries to download Locket Widget.

‍

Learn more about Bark today! We are an affiliate and receive a small commission if you decide to try them out. Your price stays the same!

‍

The Bottom Line: is Locket safe?

‍

There’s no porn or predators, but there are privacy concerns. Overall, it’s not a very risky app, but based on our review, you can now make an informed decision!

What if I have more questions? How can I stay up to date?

‍

Two actions you can take!

‍

1. Subscribe to our tech trends newsletter, the PYE Download. About every 3 weeks, we’ll share what’s new, what the PYE team is up to, and a message from Chris.
2. Ask your questions in our private parent community called The Table! It’s not another Facebook group. No ads, no algorithms, no asterisks. Just honest, critical conversations and deep learning! For parents who want to “go slow” together. Become a member today!

‍