Concerns over the inclusion of an 'auto-follow' feature in Goolge's newly-released social networking application, Buzz, have led to its removal.

Google launched the feature, which is built into Gmail, at the start of last week. It automatically determines a user’s social network by looking at who they most frequently email. But privacy complaints have led the company to rethink the model.

Critics said the fact email contacts were automatically made public was unacceptable and so on Thursday Google announced it had made the option to disable the feature more visible. Further complaints then forced the company to act again.

A statement on the official Gmail blog, said: “Instead of an auto-follow model in which Buzz automatically sets you up to follow the people you email and chat with most, we’re moving to an auto-suggest model.”

The changes mean users won’t be set up to follow anyone until they have reviewed suggestions made by Buzz and then clicked to agree to follow those people.

Todd Jackson, product manager for Gmail and Google Buzz, said: “We’ve heard your feedback loud and clear, and since we launched Google Buzz four days ago, we’ve been working around the clock to address the concerns you’ve raised.”

“We quickly realised that we didn’t get everything quite right. We’re very sorry for the concern we’ve caused and have been working hard ever since to improve things based on your feedback. We’ll continue to do so. “