Facebook Places allows users to share their location and will launch first in the US.

This has sprouted concerns about how seriously Facebook takes the privacy of their users. The feature automatically shares information on the location of users with their online friends.

The feature allows users to “check in” at locations which will then be shared with Facebook network of friends but has raised concerns about safety. Users will also be able to browse shops, clubs and nearby venues to see which friends are nearby, leading to concerns it could put individual’s security at risk.

The service will launch in the US only at first. Some have said that this should heighten users’ vigilance with who they do and do not accept as friends and allow to see their personal information.

After the latest string of controversies around the safety of the site, Facebook simplified its privacy settings in May and then more recently decided users should have much more control over what people can and cannot see.

Note that the primary location setting is switched on by default, which means any “places” tagged will automatically be shared with immediate friends.

Location-based features have been at the top of many web and mobile developers for years but the introduction of the smartphone is allowing it to galvanise.

Initially it will be made available as an update for the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android. Other handsets are expected to follow in the next few months or so. The UK will then follow suit with its own version launching later. This will reach nearly one-third of users who, according to research by Ofcom, access the social networking site by mobile.