Facebook, Google launch data portability programs to all

04.12.2008
Google and Facebook separately announced the general availability of their respective data portability programs on Thursday.

and are generally designed to extend social-networking capabilities broadly across the Web.

In the real world, this means making it possible for people to use their previously created Google and Facebook accounts to sign in to other Web sites that accept them. That way, people don't have to create an account for every Web site that requires one, reducing the number of log-in details they need to remember.

MySpace's has a similar mission.

These programs also aim to let people port elsewhere content they have entered into Google, Facebook and MySpace, like profile information, photos, notes, list of contacts, comments, status updates and the like.

In its announcement on Thursday, Google said Friend Connect is now available to any Web site publisher and that the social features available can be added by copying and pasting snippets of code, so advanced technical knowledge isn't necessary.