By now I’m sure lots of you are aware that Facebook Messenger shares you location. Not just a general location like Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya, but a precise one that traces you down to the exact street you’re on. It’s been around for a while now, we have a post on how to disable it, but it looks like Facebook is finally doing something on their end. The social network has just released an update to its Messenger app that makes location sharing optional (it used to be turned on by default), and some new location features.
Sadly though, the latest Facebook Messenger update is not available at the time of writing so we can’t test it out yet. According to Facebook’s post, the location pin located on the right side of the text box has been removed. If you would like to share your location, you will need to tap into the menu, and tap on location to share a precise location on a map, which is sent as a separate message. The update also allow users to send a location even if they are not there, like a meeting spot for example.
“With this update, you have full control over when and how you share your location information. You only send a location when you tap on the location pin and then choose to send it as a separate message. Sending a location is completely optional.” – Facebook wrote in a post.
If you use Facebook Messenger frequently, this is an update you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Facebook Messenger shares your location by default and with just a few clicks of a button, anyone can find out where you. I know it’s a little paranoid, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The update is being rolled out by Facebook, so do check in on your respective app marketplace for the update.
