Google recently amended its terms of service to require reciprocity to import contacts into another application, effectively banning Facebook from accessing its Contact API. Although Facebook entered into reciprocity agreements with Yahoo and Hotmail for the same data sharing features, Facebook does not allow reciprocity for sharing e-mail addresses and contact information with Google. "The social networking site has come under fire in the past for failing to provide sufficient security to protect its user's privacy," according to Keli Johnson, an attorney with Scott & Scott, LLP. "However, because Facebook currently engages in similar agreements with Yahoo and Hotmail, it willbe difficult for the social networking site to cite privacy concerns for failing to provide reciprocity. Ultimately, Google may determine there is value in exchanging data with Facebook and its many users." For more information, please contact Ms. Johnson. at 817.722.3962 or KJohnson@scottandscottllp.
About the author
Keli Johnson:
As an associate attorney at Scott & Scott, LLP, Keli is primarily focused on software licensing and copyright infringement matters. She advises clients in a variety of industries to ensure compliance with software licenses and develop strategies for maximizing the value of software licenses.
Get in touch: kjohnson@scottandscottllp.com | 800.596.6176