Today is the day that Facebook is to be holding a news conference about this new feature called "Places" that they want to introduce. There doesn't seem to be much information around about exactly how they plan to work this but in any case it should be interesting and something to watch.

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"Location, location, location … and yours could be on Facebook.

Facebook is expected to announce its latest feature called "Places" Wednesday. It’s a location tool that will let users broadcast their whereabouts to friends.

Places is Facebook’s response to the hugely popular "Foursquare," another location tool that works through online applications on cell phones.

There are several key privacy questions that should be answered in an afternoon news conference. But the big one on everyone’s mind is whether Facebook will automatically reveal your location.

Another issue would be whether the places API is optional.

But while some are worried about the security and privacy of Places, many are excited about what Places offers users. Places will be more than just a "check-in" application.

While the exact nature of the application isn’t known, according to a CNET post, Places will "take the form of an application programming interface for third-party companies on the Facebook developer platform."

That could mean any number of things, including but not limited to, certain companies integrating or borderline advertising, products, restaurants, shops and more around wherever you indicate what place you’re in."

NBC News

Computerworld

Cnet