❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now

Facebook to try location-based service

Steve Henn Aug 18, 2010
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Facebook to try location-based service

Steve Henn Aug 18, 2010
HTML EMBED:
COPY

TEXT OF STORY

Bill Radke: Later today, Facebook is expected to announce a new location-based service for users.

Marketplace’s Steve Henn says it’ll probably use the GPS chip in your mobile phone to track your whereabouts.


STEVE HENN: Marketers dream of slipping into you your pocket with your cell phone — and following your every move with a mobile app that is always on. So…

JULIE ASK: Facebook does really well in a mobile environment.

Julie Ask at Forrester’s Research says Facebook is ubiquitous, easy to use, and millions of folks check it constantly.

But adding a geo-location feature has Jeff Chester at the Center for Digital Democracy worried.

JEFF CHESTER: I think consumers need to be very careful. There are privacy concerns and there are personal security concerns.

And Chester has a host of questions: Will Facebook’s users be enrolled in its location service automatically? How will location information be shared or stored? Will folks be able to opt out easily?

He says before people sign up they should take a second and imagine what life could be like if all their Facebook friends can follow their every move as they commute, go for drinks, or even play hooky from work.

In Silicon Valley, I’m Steve Henn for Marketplace.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.