12 July 2011 | Author: N. Hamilton Media copywriter
Open-Xchange's had its wrists well and truly slapped by the Zuckerberg machine after launching a tool that could help social networkers quickly export their contacts to Google+.
According to CNet.com, the Facebook-affiliated start-up had its Palo Alto privileges revoked after releasing a tool enabling users to create a "magic address book" for export to Google+ containing both Facebook and LinkedIn contacts.
While the tool did not function by copying email addresses direct from Facebook - just contact names which were then matched to other email records - Facebook disabled Open-Xchange's application programming interface claiming the tool breaches the privacy rights of users.
Facebook argued that the tool breaches the privacy and user rights of Facebook members - even those who've expressly consented to using the tool or have knowingly made their details available.
Rafael Laguna, Open-Xchange's chief executive, told CNet.com that Facebook shut the tool down with the stern notification that a user's friend data could not be used outside an Open-Xchange application, only within the context of a user's experience on an Open-Xchange application.
Facebook allegedly warned Open-Xchange that similar breaches made by forthcoming tools could result in enforcement action.
Tech pundits said Facebook's heavy-handed approach stems from the white-hot rivalry between Palo Alto and Google+ - especially as Facebook's had its own share of privacy foibles and must have an existing export agreement with partners including Yahoo!
Google+ is estimated to have gained a 4 million-strong following in first two weeks since its beta launch, meaning it could come to rival Facebook's projected 700 million users following an official rollout and the launch of a dedicated corporate element.
Facebook already responded to the Google+ threat by announcing an "awesome" new Skype deal, which will see video chat brought to Facebook in order to rival Google+'s video conferencing features.
Miaow! Facebook blocks Google+ export tool
Open-Xchange's had its wrists well and truly slapped by the Zuckerberg machine after launching a tool that could help social networkers quickly export their contacts to Google+. According to CNet.com, the Facebook-affiliated start-up had its Palo Alto privileges revoked after releasing a tool enabling users to create a "magic address book" for export to Google+ containing both Facebook and LinkedIn contacts.
While the tool did not function by copying email addresses direct from Facebook - just contact names which were then matched to other email records - Facebook disabled Open-Xchange's application programming interface claiming the tool breaches the privacy rights of users.
Facebook argued that the tool breaches the privacy and user rights of Facebook members - even those who've expressly consented to using the tool or have knowingly made their details available.
Rafael Laguna, Open-Xchange's chief executive, told CNet.com that Facebook shut the tool down with the stern notification that a user's friend data could not be used outside an Open-Xchange application, only within the context of a user's experience on an Open-Xchange application.
Facebook allegedly warned Open-Xchange that similar breaches made by forthcoming tools could result in enforcement action.
Tech pundits said Facebook's heavy-handed approach stems from the white-hot rivalry between Palo Alto and Google+ - especially as Facebook's had its own share of privacy foibles and must have an existing export agreement with partners including Yahoo!
Google+ is estimated to have gained a 4 million-strong following in first two weeks since its beta launch, meaning it could come to rival Facebook's projected 700 million users following an official rollout and the launch of a dedicated corporate element.
Facebook already responded to the Google+ threat by announcing an "awesome" new Skype deal, which will see video chat brought to Facebook in order to rival Google+'s video conferencing features.
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