Tech Talk
By

Josh Lowensohn /

CNET/ June 26, 2012, 11:46 AM

Facebook quietly removes 'test' friend-finding feature

Facebook

(CNET) Facebook has quietly removed a controversial feature that would let users on mobile devices find other Facebook users nearby, even if they weren't friends with them on the popular social network.

Facebook adds "Find Friends Nearby" feature for Web, mobile
Full coverage of Facebook at Tech Talk

, which Facebook said it was "testing" with users in a roll-out yesterday, became the topic of controversy earlier today when a company called Friendthem accused Facebook of stealing the idea. In a release provided to CNET and other outlets, Friendthem's CEO said the company

With friend-finders like these, Facebook may find itself sued

.

A Facebook spokesperson declined to comment on the removal of the feature. In an earlier statement, the company said the feature was not "a formal release," and instead was something "a few engineers were testing."

"With all tests, some get released as full products, others don't," the company said.

This article originally appeared on CNET.

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
  • Josh Lowensohn On Twitter » On Google+ »

    Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in 2006 and covers everything Apple. Before that, Josh wrote about new Web startups, video games, and remote-controlled robots that watch your house. When not attempting experimental pizza recipes, Josh is an avid photographer.

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larbla says:
Stalker's paradise tool
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