Facebook today altered the way it handles location sharing within Messenger.
Previously, Messenger allowed users to set their location-sharing status to on or off. Now, it provides more granular controls. Users can choose to share their location directly with message recipients through new, and more specific tools.
For example, people can search for basic locations, such as cafes or restaurants, and send those coordinates to recipients. Alternately, users can send maps of their exact location to others. Facebook says users now have “full control” over when and how they share their location information.
Location details can be sent as a separate message even if the sender has not yet arrived at the indicated spot. Facebook says Messenger will not see users’ location data unless it is actively shared, and the app will not suss out users’ location in the background.
Messenger is free to download for Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
