Much excitement has resulted from Google’s recent announcement of OpenSocial, an initiative to further cooperation between software developers and Web sites in adopting a single set of software standards for the little software pieces that can add a layer of social networking to all Web sites. Such an agreement would liberate users from the frustration of joining multiple sites, enabling them to link up all of their friend networks into one macro-network across the internet. This initiative, which has the support of all the top social networking sites except for Facebook, champions the use of nonproprietary programming languages. The creation of such an interoperable platform for ubiquitous social networking among the top social networking sites has set the stage for a new chapter in web interaction. The announcement came shortly after the generous $15 billion valuation of Facebook resulting from Microsofts investment of $240 million – a transaction which demonstrated the growing influence of social networking sites to command large valuations resulting from their potential ad space. Despite Google’s own investments in social network sites like Orkut, the internet conglomerate’s disclosures of its OpenSocial project underlines the movement to integrate all such sites where Google’s search crawler is currently not allowed to search through. While the innovative OpenSocial project would open doors allowing for a more free sharing of friend networks which are quickly expanding, it also raises concerns about the amount of control over users’ personal information. The vast number of disconnected social networks may be inconvenient for some users seeking a more connected awareness, however the status quo situation does ensure the compartmentalization of sensitive information users may not intend for public consumption outside of their trusted circles. Indeed, while interoperability may result in greater efficiency, it may also alter the dynamic of how openly users share information with their trusted peers.

Labels: Web Technologies