Life360 is a family locator app free for iPhone, Android, and Windows Phones that is making the protection vs. privacy issue a household problem for many families. The app, founded in 2008 by Chris Hulls and Alex Haro, serves its function by creating a private map between family members in a "family circle." Members within a circle are then able to see the location of each other at all times, thus easily connecting and protecting members of the circle. Conversely, it could be also be said that family members could be more easily "tracked," and that the app is an invasion of privacy. Some say that it allows the possibility of danger become an excuse for over-protection.

Despite the possible privacy issue, this app is by no means unpopular as it is used by 50 million families internationally. The app touts many free features such as an emergency alert feature to all family members at the push of a button, one-on-one messaging, place registry to inform others of leaving and arrival times, and check-in capabilities. There is also a paid, premium service that allows for road-side assistance, unlimited place registry, access to a live adviser 24/7, and stolen-phone insurance. In 2013 the app agreed with BMW to incorporate location services into the navigation of BMW automobiles. The next step for the app, Hulls says, is for a user to be able to jump into her car and tell it, "Drive to my husband."

While the constant location features of Life360 make the parenting process easier and more worry-free in a world that seems to only be getting more dangerous, many worry about the long-term implications that usage of the app will have on children. Children of the most recent generation already are routinely subject to what is referred to as geo-tagging, or the disclosure of their location through photos and other media on sites such as Instagram and Facebook. Life360 monitors children's locations constantly, leading to concerns over creating a generation that doesn't mind or care who knows their whereabouts. For instance, the field of targeted marketing thrives on knowing consumers buying habits. These soon-to-be adults may be negatively affected if not taught how to properly shield themselves from those marketers attempting to harvest information.

In a more short-term view, some users feel the app to be an invasion of privacy and as such shy away from the constant location services. For instance, teens may not be so keen on the idea of having a branch of parental presence in their pockets, but mothers across the board are unrelenting that this app has given them a peace of mind that is worth the outrage felt by their offspring. In 2012 the app was announced as the Gold Seal Winner at the Mom's Choice Awards.

It is still too soon for Life360 to understand completely the long-term implications the app will have on society or the trust system within commonplace families. Its many functions and capabilities make it useful for busy, on the go families, but if the measure of safety it gains does not outweigh the privacy that it compromises then the app has not served its purpose. The 50 million families already using the app declare that it is a success, but for the sake of privacy decisions should be made by families with the best intentions in mind.