Facebook has begun rolling out their newest feature, Facebook Places. Privacy concerns on the rise.
Facebook is rolling out a new feature to smartphone users that can support HTML 5 or Facebook app (Droid or iPhone). The feature will automatically locate you, mark it on a map and display it in the newsfeed. You will also be able to tag your friends to the check-ins.
[Update] Facebook has now opted everyone out of the check-in your friend feature. If you want to allow access for your friends to check you in, you must opt in under Privacy Settings.
Although Facebook did hold a press conference about the new feature, there hasn’t been a notification sent directly through the news feed or other official source.
As with all new features of Facebook, they automatically opt users in. With a lack of communication, it may once again raise privacy concerns, that could have been avoided. With a simple news feed notification from the get-go that provides an option to allow geo-location tagging, less people would be worried about the possible issues.
How toTurn off geo-location tagging
Facebook Places provides an option for your friends to tag you to a geo-location when they check in. To disable this option, go to “Account” on the top right of any Facebook page. Select “Privacy Settings,” and then “Customize Settings.”
In the area called “Things others share,” disable the option that says, “Friends can check me in to Places.”
Additionally, if you don’t want people to publicly see where you are checked in, opt out of the “Include me in “People Here Now” after I check in” feature.
Rolling out
Currently the Places feature is still rolling out, and not working in every area. We’ve received a few tips stating that the service has yet to cover their area yet. To check out the new Facebook Places feature, log in to Facebook on your mobile browser or upgrade your Facebook application.
