Facebook Wants To Automatically Share Your Location With Friends

Facebook is heavily criticized for many of its privacy practices, but perhaps none are as controversial as the platform’s ability to track our locations in the real world. This is creepy for a variety of obvious reasons, yet the social media giant is reportedly considering a feature that would double down on that power. According to a report from TechCrunch, Facebook Messenger has been spotted prototyping a feature that would automatically inform your closest friends where you are.

The feature would use your location, battery life and accelerometer to deduce what you were doing. Then it would share an emoji with a specific subset of your friends to let them know. However, the company was quick to say that there are no concrete plans to make this tool a reality — yet.

“We’re always exploring new features to improve your Messenger experience,” a Facebook Messenger communications representative told TechCrunch. “This feature is still in early development and not externally testing.”

For a site that’s concerned with its reputation when it comes to privacy, it’s curious that Facebook would embrace this seemingly-invasive technology. Then again, this data represents just the tip of the iceberg of what Facebook already knows about us.




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