Google’s social networking site, Google+, has dropped the age requirement from 18 to 13. This will allow teenagers to join Google+, which are now on lines with Facebook’s age policy. The announcement came from Bradley Horowitz, Google VP, product management, noting the new features for teen users.
Google seems to be modifying its functionality to allow teenagers to be a part of Google+. One basic change will be helpful, as Google+ will show a popup notification warning to teenagers when they post messages that are seen publicly. The popup will let them know that anyone can view and comment on their post.
Google’s VP Bradley Horowitz mentioned that there are a few tweaks and new default settings for teens. For Hangouts, if someone who isn’t in a teen’s Circle enters a hangout, the teen will be removed from the video chat service. With it, a rejoin option is given to the teens, as seen in the screenshot below:
Google is even working out a new Google+ Safety Center for teens, parents and teachers, which will definitely help boost Google+ user count, but will be beneficial too. It will help make the experience a safe one.
The age requirement is now on terms with that of for a Google Account. This will remove the restriction for the age group of 13 to 17, who have a Google Account, but cannot access Google+. Mostly, all over the world, a user has to be at least 13 years to have a Google Account, but there are 3 exceptions: Spain, South Korea and Netherlands.
The following was even noted:
Teens and young adults are the most active Internet users on the planet. And surprise, surprise: they’re also human beings who enjoy spending time with friends and family. Put these two things together and it’s clear that teens will increasingly connect online. Unfortunately, online sharing is still second-rate for this age group.
In life, for instance, teens can share the right things with just the right people (like classmates, parents or close ties). Over time, the nuance and richness of selective sharing even promotes authenticity and accountability. Sadly, today’s most popular online tools are rigid and brittle by comparison, so teens end up over-sharing with all of their so-called “friends.”
With Google+, we want to help teens build meaningful connections online. We also want to provide features that foster safety alongside self-expression. Today we’re doing both, for everyone who’s old enough for a Google Account.
All seems to be for the good. But the search engine giant seems to be tricking the masses yet again with its goody moves.
Time and again, it is said that Google is working on every possibility to boost its social network. Moreover, Google never misses out on adding flavors, being the sweet poison.
Google recently even made a Google+ account compulsory with every Google Account, which means that if a user is about 13 years of age and wants a Google Account, may it be for any reason, he/she will be on Google+ by default.