Facebook has launched a new feature that allows people to see where a user is. Facebook has extolled the virtues of Facebook Places by saying that it is useful for two friends to see if they are both in the locality at the same time so that they can meet up if they want. As ever with the social networking site, there are privacy concerns. The privacy settings need to be checked carefully so that only the people a user wants can see their information. There are also dangers that other people may be able to give a user's location away for them if they are aware of where the user is, and that it is hard to opt out of that facility.
Paul Gershlick, a Partner at Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP and editor of Upload-IT, comments: 'As always, it is important to ensure that Facebook is used carefully. Unsuspecting teenagers or other people using this new functionality could supply valuable information to criminals who may see an opportunity for burglary if they can easily find out when people are away on holiday.'
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
