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Facebook will let your friends say where you are (whether you are, or not)
August 19th, 2010 - Posted by Kent
Facebook is entering the location-sharing game to compete with the likes of Foursquare, meaning you can now add your location to the list of things you're oversharing. But as with all Facebook features, the devil is in the details. Because Facebook wants to do more than just let you check into a location. They want to let your friends check you into locations, by tagging you. Sound confusing? This is how it works:
You go with your friend to a particular Starbucks. Your friend wants all her friends to know she's at that particular Starbucks. So she "checks in" thereby broadcasting her whereabouts. But your friend can also check you in by tagging you so everyone knows that you're at that Starbucks with her. Although, really, you don't even have to be there, for that to happen. You are, however, notified if you've been checked in somewhere.
There are a number of reasons why this could be a very bad thing, but the biggest is this: you let everyone know where you are (and where you're not). This can be an issue of physical security for you and your home (since everyone will know you're not there, you're at Starbucks). It may also tell other people about aspects of your personal life you'd rather not share.
Fortunately, you can turn this off:
- Go to your Facebook account's privacy settings.
- Click on Customize Settings
- Scroll down to "Friends can check me in to places, and select "Disabled."
You'll need to decide if you want to use Facebook's new "check in" feature to let people know where you are. There are plenty of reasons not to (see the physical security issues above). But we do think everyone has the right to choose to say where they are, and when.
Check out our complete guide to Facebook's privacy settings to find out how you can further protect yourself.
10 Responses to “Facebook will let your friends say where you are (whether you are, or not)”
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October 8th, 2010 at 3:50 am
The real issue with this, as you say, is the physical security. However, it is a little ridiculous for someone planning to rob a house to assume "Hmm? It says Joe Blow is at Starbucks so it's time to rob his house!" I mean do you not think that is a little far-fetched? I do. The chances of someone planning to rob someones house after seeing their facebook status of "Starbucks" is very low in my opinion. I think it is great that facebook continues to improves its facilities; it means no one is ever bored!!
August 27th, 2011 at 10:00 am
People
August 27th, 2011 at 10:08 am
People are addicts of facebook. Myself included. I have facebook but I've read some things about our "privacy rights.". The people who own shares of it do not have the public's best interest in mind. I like to be able to stay in touch with friends etc etc… However, there is nothing good about one of the riches companies in the world having people's information. Rich people who want to make money off of us and have our personal photos, place of residence, jobs, and so on. We don't ever read the fine print of what we are agreeing to and not to mention the fact that the "Let Your Friends Know Where You Are" choice IS NOT A CHOICE!!!!!!!! They pretty much make people click on it or it pops up ever 2 minutes and wont let you do anything else. Facebook is a wonderful disease.
August 27th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
we are spying on all of you and we will make sure you behave and obey the law. Your facebook accounts are self-incriminating tools for us to use against you . You are becoming slaves.
August 29th, 2011 at 8:26 am
What makes this little function most infuriating is that, until I agree to allow this function I am unable to post on my FB page, and there is no opt out option. If social networking is all about having an open and honest relationship with the consumer, the parent of SN appears to have lost its way.
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January 11th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
I only use this feature so that my big strong man knows where I am while he is in the house. . . on facebook