Facebook denies killing off Places because of privacy concerns
Facebook has denied that it is phasing out the controversial Places feature on its mobile app due to fears over privacy.
The social networking giant has announced a swathe of updates to give users tighter controls over who can view their profiles and photos.
Places was previously a separate feature on the mobile app that allowed users to publish details of their exact location. This will now disappear, although Facebook told The Drum that it was not because the feature posed a security risk to users.
A spokesperson said: "Places was originally built to give people a better way to do what they were already doing – updating their friends. Since, user feedback has made it clear that location (or where) usually forms only part of an update – alongside who, what and when.
"Now a “place” becomes another descriptor to add to a post. It can be a place you are currently at, a place you have been to, or want to/are intending to go to. Locations are now just tags."
Although Places will be no more, users will still be able to 'Check-in' to claim offers at shops, restaurants, bars and other places of interest.
The spokesperson added: "All of the improvements announced have been in the works for the last six months and are made to make it easier to control what you share with whom – at the time you’re sharing it; as well as to make it easier to control what can go on your profile."