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Technology

Foursquare founder: Privacy fears are exaggerated

By Nic Fleming

22 September 2010

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Being social on location

(Image: Foursquare)

Dennis Crowley, head of location-based social networking site Foursquare, says the app is no stalkers’ paradise

Can you explain for non-users?

It’s about making cities easier to use. It lets you “check in” to places from your cellphone. You can then share your experiences by leaving tips for your friends. There are also game mechanics. Users are rewarded with badges, and if you check in the most somewhere, you become the “mayor” of that place.

Why would I want to be the “mayor” of my local pub?

I wrote the rules and code…

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