Law enforcement agencies across the United States are cautioning iPhone users about a recently released feature called NameDrop, included in the latest software update. Apple's iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 now offer the option to quickly share contact information with nearby iPhones or Apple Watches.

As reported on Apple's website, NameDrop allows users to easily share contact information and photos with other iPhones by holding the devices close together. However, the ease and speed of sharing information have raised concerns among law enforcement agencies regarding potential security risks.

The Longwood Police Department in Florida, according to FOX 35 Orlando, has warned parents to check their children's phone settings, as the update to iOS 17 automatically enables the NameDrop feature. In a Facebook post, the department highlighted that the feature is defaulted to 'ON,' which could unknowingly result in contact information being shared with others.

Various police departments across the country, including the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, Carmi Police Department in Illinois, Middletown Police Department in Ohio, Watertown Police Department in Connecticut, Jefferson Hills Police Department in Pennsylvania, and Fort Smith Police Department in Arkansas have issued similar warnings about NameDrop, as reported by Forbes.

Some experts, however, have dismissed the concerns raised by law enforcement agencies. A digital security specialist from IT security firm Sophos referred to the warnings as "hysteria" and "nonsense" in an interview with The Washington Post.

NameDrop operates in a manner similar to AirDrop, wherein one must be in close proximity to the iPhone or Apple Watch they intend to share information with and must give consent for the sharing to occur.

To address any potential privacy concerns, users can turn off the NameDrop feature by navigating to settings, general, and AirDrop. Once there, they can tap the green button next to "start sharing by bringing devices together."

Fox News Digital reached out to Apple for comment on the matter, but the company did not immediately respond.

It is important for iPhone users to stay informed and make informed decisions about their privacy settings and the potential risks associated with new features like NameDrop. Apple's website provides detailed instructions on how to use the feature and adjust the settings to suit individual preferences.