Foursquare Halts Private Check-Ins Amid Monetization Drive

As part of what could be a larger move toward monetizing its service, Foursquare has discontinued its iOS app’s private check-in feature, TechCrunch reported on December 10.

In a tech support note posted on its website, Foursquare did not give a specific reason for removing the feature.

“As Foursquare continues to grow, we have decided to remove the ability to privately check in,” the note read. “If you don’t wish to share your location, we’d encourage you to still use Foursquare to get out and explore awesome places nearby! All past private check-ins will remain private!”

In the past year, Foursquare has made improvements to its app that allow advertisers to deliver adds to the network’s users, though it is not clear if this move is immediately connected to those ininitatives given that this data is only available to a user’s network. For example, paid ads now appear inside the app and third-party companies can use Foursquare data for consumer targeting.

The company may face some competition in the near future, however, as Twitter appears to be moving in the direction of public locational tracking. According to Finextra, Twitter has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with geolocational technology developer Pitney Bowes Location Intelligence to provide solutions for Twitter’s mobile platform.

Simply put, users will have the option to share their location when they post a message. The feature will also include new privacy controls.

Those hoping to gain more insight into Foursquare’s future may want to download this PYMNTS case study, which explores the company’s options as it moves toward monetization.

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