Google seems to have relented on its tough policy towards its not-so-popular social network Google+. Back in July, Google announced users no longer have to use their real names on the site, and now it's decided to end its policy of 'forcing' new users to sign up for a Google+ account.
When Google launched its compulsory sign up of Google+ in January 2012, it drew the ire of countless netizens who claimed the company was pushing them into its social network. For anyone wanting to use Google's services - be it Gmail, YouTube, Google Docs or something else - there was no way to get out of creating a Google+ account.
But now it looks as though things are changing. Following the decision to let people use any name they wish, last week Google that its Hangouts service could be accessed without signing up for a Google+ account first. Now, it looks as though Google is abandoning the automatic sign-up process completely. Marketing Land last week that Google has added a 'no thanks' link to the Google+ sign up page that appears whenever a new users registers with Gmail, YouTube etc., for the first time.
This could be a sign of Google+'s lingering death, rumors of which were accelerated when Vic Gundotra, its social networking chief, left the company last April. A more likely reason though, is that Google is just being realistic and trying to open its services up to stubborn users who refused to be forced into the G+ network.
When Google first began this policy it was understandable - with most people content with Facebook and other social networks it had to do something to get people using its platform. Now, Google+ is already established, so the need to force users onto it has diminished.
Google's new policy seems to be targeted at getting more people to try things like Hangouts, and separating it from Google+ should allow it to capture a wider audience.
That said, we should note Google+ hasn't been totally banished. Users are free to avoid it, but those wishing to leave app reviews or upload videos to YouTube will still need an account, at least for the time being.
About Mike Wheatley
Mike loves to talk about Big Data, the Internet of Things, Hacktivists and hacking, but he also hates Google and can never resist having a quick dig at them should the opportunity arise :) Got a REAL news story or tip? Email Mike@SiliconANGLE.com.
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