Facebook has added a new feature called "Facebook Places" and you may want to disable it.
Let me first say, I am not pretending to fully understand this new feature, Facebook Places. I just heard about it today, checked around online, and made the decision to disable the feature on my Facebook page.
I am passing the information on so that you can make the decision for yourself whether this feature is something you want to use or disable.
My understanding is that Facebook Places is currently only available on an updated iPhone app and through the touch.facebook.com mobile site, if your browser supports geo-location and HTML5 features. It allows you to check in at locations for Foursquare and other geo-based services.
There are some people concerned that their location could be made public and their privacy infringed upon.
Facebook Places doesn't appear to be much of a threat, because you must first "check in" before any info regarding your location will be actually shared. If someone else tries to post your location...it is my understanding that you will be notified and have the option of removing it.
Disabling Facebook Places is easily done through your Privacy Settings.
1. Log in and go to your Account Menu. Choose Privacy Settings. Choose Customize Settings.
2. In the "Things I Share" section, go to "Places I Check In" and choose the option you prefer. I chose "only me" - not wishing to share the info at all.
3. If you do not wish to be "included in the people here now" you will need to uncheck the "enable" box.
4. If you don't want your friends sharing your location...
go to the section "Things Others Share" and
DISABLE "Friends can check me into places".
One other thing to consider...your location can be shared through the apps that your friends are using...like calendar and birthday and family tree applications. If you would like to limit what personal information is passed through the apps of others:
Return to Privacy Settings page. (See first picture) At bottom of page, under Applications and Websites, click on Edit your settings. There is a section called "Info accessible through your friends" with an Edit Settings box. Here you can decide which information you want your friends' applications to have access to.
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Thanks for this post Sharon. With Fb frequently updating security features, that I am barely keeping up.
It's good to be in control of our "impressions" on the web...thanks for these tips. I don't see this kind of thing lessening, though.
Thanks for sharing!! My bb does not support. But I will still disable the feature.
Sharon- I've been concerned about the privacy issue with FB so thank you for the tutorial. I think they need to give FB classes for parents who are trying to monitor their kid's FB pages!
I read about this on the news yesterday... thanks for the reminder to do it!
Anne: I know what you mean...unless you read it somewhere, you wouldn't know.
Li: We need to keep up to date on our Privacy Settings. It's a good idea to check them to see if they need updating every once in awhile.
Ritu: I don't even know if it applies to me at this moment, but I'm disabling anyways.
Kathy: Good point...the kids need to be monitored. I'm glad I'm past being a parent with kids on the internet!
Jessica: You are welcome!
Hi Sharon, thanks for sharing, it was a good reason to review all my settings.
Sharon, just wait until those babies are able to get online. The grandkids drive me crazy with what they put out there. Thanks for the information.
Barbara: Always good to check in and update every once in awhile.
Ginger: I'm sure mine will be just as bad! I have a little while though.
Give Google and Facebook another ten years and they'll be ruling the world. We'll have a chip implanted in our shoulders so that Google and Facebook can keep track of us. Heck, they might even bail out the United States Government, at which time we'll become the United Facebook of Google.
Russel: That has to be the greatest comment I've read in awhile! I love it! "United Facebook of Google" is probably where we are headed!
Great job with the post Sharon. Nice and clear-easy to understand. Thanks for the heads up! I think this will benefit alot of people!
Debra: Thank you! I hope it is helpful!
Thanks for the reminder to set my settings.
My personal facebook account I want very secure
Virginia: So glad the post was helpful!
Sharon, your post truly is helpful. Post such as this are another example of fellow Rainers covering our back. Thanks.
Thanks for the heads-up Sharon and the step-by-step guide. Saw something about this yesterday but didn't investigate it.
Mary Kay: You are welcome. I saw mention of it on Twitter and wanted to pass it along.
Judy: Hope it is helpful to you. Thanks!
Thank you for the tips, Sharon! I have changed mine! (Mostly so my kids can't find me! :-) )
Kathleen: I hear ya!
Hi, Sharon. This is becoming an every day thing. Remember getting a transistor radio, or a hand held calculator? It wasn't that long ago that cell phones were the size of a small suitcase!
Hard to keep up with so many changes all coming so fast....appreciate all the help I can get!
Leslie: It's so funny when you see old movies or photos and someone is holding an old cell phone...they were huge! Glad you found the info helpful!
Hi Sharon - thanks for this post and I will check to see if places is enabled on my account.
Sharon: Thanks for visiting!