Google+ membership no longer mandatory with Google account

Google has done away with its requirement, in place since 2012, that any person creating a Google account must automatically sign up to its Google Plus social network.

Now, if you sign up for Gmail service, there is an option to tick a 'no thanks' box when the prompt to create a Google+ profile appears.

The company had already begun reacting to criticism about Google+ during the summer mid-year, when it got rid of the requirement that all Google+ users could only log on with their real name.

However, the opt-out has its limits. Anyone who wants to review apps in Google's Play store or leave a comment about a YouTube clip will have to first sign up to the social networking site.