With an aim to explore how smartphone users can be both smart as well as secure while using location-based services, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold a "public education forum" on 28th of June in Washington D. C.

The FCC yesterday confirmed that it had invited web search giant Google, Cupertino-based electronics giant Apple, smartphone OS suppliers, privacy advocates and academia to the forum.

Tech companies like Google and Apple have been under fire after reports that their smartphones track and gather information about users’ locations.

Speaking on the move, FCC's Wireless Bureau Chief Ruth Milkman said, "We recognize the enormous potential for benefit that location-based services offer – but we're also acutely aware of the risks caused by consumer confusion."

Privacy advocates have long been raising concerns companies like Google and Apple are doing little to protect users’ privacy. The tech companies are also facing accusations that they sell users location data to potential advertisers.