Filed under: Developer, World wide web, Productivity, Social Software, web 2.0

There has been a lot of buzz about Data Portability with newcomers like Facebook and Plaxo joining, but you might still be wondering what exactly all this means in the big picture. Well, Michael Pick of Smashcut Media has been kind enough to create a tiny piece that attempts to put everything into perspective and what the Data Portability movement is about.

If we’re allowed to take one random stab at what’s in store for the future, this is probably going to be the first major component of Web 3.0. Since it looks like a lot of barriers that prevent users from integrating services will be removed, the focus will continue to shift towards content and usability. Chances are good that this is going to really bring in the competition - start-ups will find it easier to acquire new users and the massive dogs will have to fight harder to hold on to them.

Since we’re not professional fortune tellers, this is just a hunch. But it’s probably going to take at least another year before we see Data Portability living up to any of its promises.

[via ReadWriteWeb]

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Filed under: World wide web, Social Software

Earlier today we told you about how 49 says are going into a comprehensive partnership with MySpace to stop sexual predators and protect kids on social networks. Those of us good at geography remember that there are 50 states, so who is the odd one out that isn’t part of this “joint statement?” In case you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s the Lone Star Say, Texas.

Greg Abbott, the Texas Attorney General, explains the reasons for not participating like this: the implementations that are suggested by the statement are more like window dressing rather than a reliable way of keeping children safe on the web. And yes, although it is a good idea in essence, it isn’t as if this is going to change anything in regards to protecting social network users, and therefore inadequate. As such, if Texas joined, it would convey a false sense of security to parents and kids - which, according to Abbott, can’t be solved until an age verification system is in place.

Even though Abbott’s stand against the herd is admirable, the idea of an age verification system isn’t very appealing. For example, surrendering credit card information or social security numbers to prove one’s age just to use a social network is probably not going to sit too well with a lot of users. Even if a great system is developed, like some sort of age verification service that’s compatible with a number of sites, people will look for alternatives that don’t impose these barriers upon users.

Ultimately, with social networks moving towards openness and data portability, this is going to be a fine balancing act between enforced security measures and trusting users to manage their own security.

[via News.com]

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