In case you were wondering if you should sign up for yet another social network, there’s a compelling reason to use Google+ that you may not have thought of: freedom.
Or at least, freedom of information. It turns out that Google+ is a pretty good way for journalists and activists to communicate, says the Committee to Protect Journalists. To wit:
- Everything is encrypted in https, preventing your communications from being (easily) intercepted.
- You can conceal who is in your Circles, and who has you in their Circles.
- Unlike Facebook, you don’t have to use your real name.
- Google Takeout will let you export all your data. So if a journalist has to take down their account, they can take that contact information elsewhere.
It’s a thought-provoking post and worth a read if you’re a journalist or activist, or just interested in freedom of the press.
Mark Ampersand
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 9:32 PMUm… you don’t have to use your real name on Facebook. I don’t. Sure, it makes it harder for people to find you, but that’s a good thing!
Mike
Monday, July 11, 2011 at 10:25 AMLol then expect to get kicked I guess. FB TOS require real first and last name.