Marco Polo App: What Is It? Is It Safe?

The Marco Polo app is a video-based messaging platform designed to keep you connected with loved ones around the world regardless of time differences. It was founded by Joya Communications; Michal Bortnik and Vlada Bortnik launched Joya Communications in 2014.

The Marco Polo app is an innovative app that helps to maintain virtual connections through videos that you can watch and respond to at your own convenience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the app became known alongside Zoom and Snapchat, but it has the unique attribute of being family-friendly and safe.

This paper will give an insight into what the Marco Polo app is all about as well as if it is safe for young kids.

Part 1. What is Marco Polo App

Marco Polo app is a software that allows you to video chat with friends and loved ones by using video messaging. It is like an instant messenger, only that instead of typing out text messages, you are sending videos. As opposed to Snapchat, where messages vanish, on Marco Polo videos are preserved until either you or the recipient decide to remove them.

It’s designed for people who want to connect without any pressure from a live video call or the requirement of posting publicly. You can send a quick update by video and your friends will watch it when they have time.

Marco Polo works on both iOS and Android platforms; besides, it supports multiple languages so that many people can understand its content in general terms.

Though users need to be at least 13 years old to sign up on the Marco Polo app, younger children can use it too, as long as a parent is supervising. This makes it a popular choice for families looking to stay connected, even when they're far apart.

Part 2. Key Features of Marco Polo App

As discussed above, Marco Polo stands out from other messaging apps with its unique approach to video communication.

Below are some key features of the Marco Polo app.

Scheduling video messaging

With this app, you can send videos which will be received by your friends or family and they will have a chance to watch them whenever they wish. It is like having a walkie-talkie but through videos so that you can keep in touch without the need for you to make calls all the time.

Permanent video messages

Unlike Snapchat where messages disappear after being viewed, any videos sent through Marco Polo remain intact unless either party deletes them from their account

Group chats and history

Multiple individuals may stay in touch at the same time due to the creation of group chats where everyone can see the discussion history. Whether it is a one-on-one chat or a dialog within a group, your messages are saved for later use.

Fun aspects

In addition to drawing on your videos or adding text overlays, Marco Polo also has some playful features such as voice effects like robotic voice and sound made after inhalation of helium. It helps you add some personality to your messages.

Data friendly

It uses less data than other live video platforms, so you don’t have to worry about your connection or data charges when sending messages.

Child safety and compliance

As per the Terms and Conditions of this app, children under the age of 13 cannot have their own accounts due to the provisions of COPPA and GDPR. This is vital for ensuring that younger users are safe and their privacy is not invaded in any way.

Independence from social networks

Marco Polo isn’t tied up with major social media networks like many other similar applications; it is more personal and private.

You can delete messages completely

If ever you want to take back a message, it is possible to delete it from all the Marco Polo servers so that neither you nor the addressee access it again.

It has free and premium Versions

The basic version of Marco Polo is free; there also exists a premium one at $9.99 per month, which offers additional features for those who would like to improve their experience.

Part 3. Is the Marco Polo App Safe

When your children are using apps, safety is always an issue. Marco Polo app can be regarded as being relatively safer for children than other platforms.

According to the app’s terms and conditions, children under 13 aren’t allowed to create accounts, aligning with COPPA and GDPR legislation. However, it's crucial for you as a parent to stay involved and monitor your child’s usage because, like any app, there are potential risks.

Here is why the Marco Polo app is relatively safe for kids:

• Phone number-based connections

In order to interact with someone on this app, a user must connect via phone numbers meaning your child will only communicate with those he/she has added personally. Therefore there’s no public feed which minimizes the chances of running into strangers.

• Ad-free experience

No ads are visible on the app, thus making it a more controlled place for kids.

• No direct messaging

The application lacks a text message or direct message feature by which children can be contacted by predators in normal ways. Communication through video messages is restricted to approved contacts.

• Restricted friend-finding

Users of this app cannot look for their friends’ friends or strangers. For one to communicate with another person, they have to add them directly to the contact list hence minimizing chances of somebody else contacting them randomly.

• Data encryption

The Marco Polo app encrypts data during transit meaning that when videos are being transmitted, their security is protected but the app still has access to them.

Part 4. What Can Parents Do to Keep Kids Safe on Marco Polo App

The following are some effective strategies that can help you ensure your child’s safety while using the Marco Polo app.

Step 1. Create safety awareness

When setting up a Marco Polo account for your child, it’s crucial to take certain precautions to protect their safety. Follow these tips

#1. Use Your Information for Kids Under 13

If you’re creating an account for a child under the age of 13, use your own information – name, phone number, and email address. This helps protect their privacy and keeps off unauthorized persons.

#2. Skip contact access requests

Avoid giving the app permission to access your child’s contact list. Instead, add trusted contacts manually to minimize interaction with strangers on the app.

#3. Discuss messaging boundaries

Discuss with your kid what kind of messaging they should be involved in and remind them that their videos and messages can be screenshotted or recorded.

#4. Set device screen time limits

Use parental control tools like Msafely to enforce screen time limitations. These tools help you manage overall device usage by your children irrespective of the applications they have installed.

#5. Review contact lists

Continually go over your child’s Marco Polo contacts. To ascertain there is no contact with unfamiliar faces by them, find out who they talk to always.

Step 2. Use a parental control app to keep your kids safe

One of the simplest ways to keep your kids safe online and on the Marco Polo app is by using a parental control app. Apps such as Msafely are designed to make sure that you are up to date with what your child does online.

(1) What is Msafely

Msafely is a comprehensive monitoring software that allows you to keep an eye on your child’s device discreetly. Msafely is known as one of the world's most secure phone monitoring solutions for parents.

It offers robust features to track activities on apps like Marco Polo, as well as other communications and online interactions. iOS and Android gadgets are also supported.

With Msafely, you are able to know what your child is doing on the Marco Polo app and who they are video texting. Msafely works behind the scenes without interrupting normal phone functionality. Its dashboard is constantly up to date.

(2) What phone activity can Msafely monitor

There are many activities that Msafely can monitor. Msafely can help you monitor the following activities on your child’s phone.

•  Track their text messages

You can check out all messages including those deleted using Msafeley. This will keep you updated about whom your child is talking to as well as what they talk about.

•  Photo and video viewing

With Msafely, you can look through all photos and videos saved on your child’s device for a better understanding of their digital life.

•  Social media monitoring

Track activities on different social media platforms such as Marco Polo, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.

•  GPS location tracking

Track their live location as well as review their route history.

•  Monitor your child’s internet usage

With Msafely, you can ensure that your child visits appropriate websites by following what they do online.

•  Call monitoring and contacts

With Msafely you can view missed calls, received calls, outgoing calls, and manage contacts from this device.

•  Wi-Fi logs

Discover where your kid goes based on the Wi-Fi networks he/she connects to.

•  Email tracking

Monitor all emails sent through Gmail or Yahoo accounts (incoming or outgoing).

(3) Steps to use Msafely to keep your kids safe

To set up Msafely to start keeping your kid safe online, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Go to the Msafely official site and register a free account.

Step 2. Choose the phone you want to monitor, iPhone or Android.

Step 3. Log in to your control panel and read over what your child has been texting or doing as well as any other things he has done during that period of time on the Marco Polo app.

Part 5. FAQs about Marco Polo App

Q1. Can Marco Polo be used at no cost?

Yes, there is a free version of Marco Polo with basic features. There is also a premium subscription costing $9.99 per month, which adds more features and improvements.

Q2. Is Marco Polo compatible with other devices?

Certainly. You can utilize it on various tablets and smartphones since it works well with both Android and iOS.

Q3. Are there ads in Marco Polo?

No, Marco Polo does not show advertisements which helps to maintain a controlled environment for children using it as well as the users in general. This absence of ads guarantees a safer communication medium that is devoid of distractions.

Q4. Can children use Marco Polo?

Understandably, kids below 13 years cannot create accounts as per the app’s terms of service which correspond to COPPA and GDPR regulations. It’s okay for younger people to use it with adult supervision.

Q5. Is there an option to delete videos from Marco Polo?

Yes, you are permitted to remove videos stored on the servers thus preventing them from being viewed by either the sender or recipient parties.

Part 6. Conclusion

The Marco Polo application is mostly known for its video messaging feature. It is popular among family members, especially in times when meeting face-to-face may not be possible.

While this app promises privacy and safety such as no public feeds, number-based connections, etc., it is important for you not to stay proactive regarding your child’s use of it.

Set limits clearly, use parental control tools like Msafely, and keep communication open with your kids so that they can have a positive and secure experience with Marco Polo.