Google has now given access to the teens into Google+. Teens from 13 to 18 are now allowed to signup for Google+, but this has come with some security restrictions though!
Google introduced Google+ last year to rival Facebook and Twitter. But the teens were restricted access to the new social network until now. But today, in an official statement, the Mountain View based company has opened doors for the teens to signup for Google+.
With this, the user base of Google+ would drastically increase in this quarter, but the consistency would be put under question. Google has made some privacy tweaks to keep the kids and young adults safe online with Google+ though. Mainly, Teens will not be able to talk to strangers over hangout.
From today, Google is open to all the age groups on the internet. And Google has been investing quite a bit of money on this social network and promoting it via TV ads and T-Shirts and other medias.
Here’s what Google’s VP of Products, Bradley Horowitz unveiled today:
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 (13+ in most countries).
Furthermore, here’s what the teens will stay away on Google+:
- Teens see a warning when they share with “Public”; or “Extended Circles”
- By default, only the people in teens’ circles can interact with them and their posts
- Teens are muted if a stranger outside their circles joins a hangout