Basically, "Places" is a location-based service utilizing your phone's GPS to allow you to "check in" to locations using your cell phone. After you check-in somewhere, facebook automatically posts your location to Facebook.
The idea is that you can find friends near you. Or you can tell friends where you are so they can join you. When you stop to think about it, it sounds like a lot of fun... think again.
Letting people know your location is dangerous! It could let burglars know you are away from home. Or it might let a stalker figure out your routine. When someone clicks on your location they can even pull up an exact map and address of where you are.
Hmmm... sounds like a great way
to get stalked, robbed, raped or mugged if you ask me.
Unfortunately this feature is enabled automatically for all Facebook users, BUT you can restrict who can see your location.
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How to disable FB "Places" feature:
- Open up your Facebook profile.
- Go to the Accounts menu and select Privacy Settings.
- Select the Custom option on the left.
- Click the Customize Settings link (at the bottom of the page)
- Find the "Places I Check In" option.
- I recommend setting it to Friends Only at least.
- Or even better, click Customize and select specific friends.
- On mine I set it to Only Me.
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Just below is the Include Me In "People Here Now" option. This feature notifies other Facebook users when you check in near them. It doesn't matter if they are on your Friend list or not. I recommend un-checking this feature.
You might think that you're done. But Facebook added a sneaky extra feature. Your friends are allowed to check you in to places. This means your location could be broadcast without your permission. Fortunately, you can turn that off as well.
- Scroll down in the Privacy Settings to Things Others Share.
- Find an option labeled "Friends Can Check Me In To Places"
- Set that to Disabled.
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{ Now your friends can't share where you are! }
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I hope I helped keep you all safe! Please tell your friends about this - feel free to direct them to my post! It's a scary world out there and we all have to look out for each other!
Hugs!
PS- Looking for new followers or fun new blogs? Don't forget that the Mingle Monday blog hop is open until tonight (Wednesday) at midnight. Stop by and get your blog some exposure!
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