HeyPolo App: Location-sharing apps can be very useful for both families and individuals as they provide immediacy and comfort regarding safety. Unfortunately, the added convenience of location-sharing typically has a downside, including, but not limited to, ongoing tracking of where you go, uncertain data retention and usage policies, and low user control of information being accessible by others.
Due to these concerns, Surfshark has created an innovative app called HeyPolo to place privacy and user control at the forefront of location sharing.
A shift away from always- on tracking
Unlike regular apps that rely on continuous location access, HeyPolo is built around explicit user consent.
Users can decide:
- Who can view their location
- How precise that location is
- When sharing starts and when it ends
This approach directly addresses a common issue with existing platforms, where users may unknowingly share their location for extended periods.
Tackling ‘ghost’ tracking
HeyPolo’s main selling point is to eliminate “ghost tracking,” i.e. sharing where you are, which will continue to happen in the background without someone being aware of it happening.
Users can set a certain amount of time that they want to share their location, and when that time has passed, the app will automatically stop sharing the user’s location.
There will be some different levels of visibility for users as well, allowing them to share the specific location, show that they are in a general area, or toggle between sharing their location or not sharing it, and the user will be able to tell who has access to their location at any given moment by the way the application’s interface displays that information.
Built with privacy in mind
According to the company, HeyPolo takes a strict stance on data protection.
Unlike many free location-sharing apps that monetize user data, Surfshark says HeyPolo will not sell or exploit location data. All shared information is encrypted while in transit, reducing the risk of interception.
The app instead follows a subscription-based model, allowing users to create multiple groups and invite others without additional charges.
The launch of HeyPolo marks another step in Surfshark’s expansion beyond VPN services. The company already offers tools such as antivirus protection, private search, and data-removal services.
Speaking on the launch, CEO Edvinas Sersniovas said the idea came from a need to balance safety with privacy.
He said, “As a father myself, I wanted to create an app that could help me ensure my family’s safety while respecting and protecting their data at the same time.”
Availability
HeyPolo is now available on both Android and iOS platforms, offering users an alternative to traditional location-sharing apps that rely on continuous tracking.
As concerns around digital privacy continue to grow, apps like HeyPolo reflect a shift in how companies approach location sharing.
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