Google+ will wind-up over the next 10 months, taking a few last breaths before being allowed to expire in August 2019.

But rather than an act of mercy, the real reason seems to be a potential data breach.

Strobe effect

The move to close Google+ was announced as an outcome of ‘Project Strobe’—an internal security audit.

Other outcomes announced related to ‘more granular Google Account permissions’ and imposing more specific limitations on apps accessing user data.

Once more, into the breach

The most troublesome Project Strobe revelation, though, was a finding that Google+ user data had been insecure.

As reported in The Guardian, ‘a bug in the API for Google+ had been allowing third-party app developers to access the data not just of users who had granted permission, but of their friends.’

Brand concerns

Google says that there is no evidence that the vulnerability was actively exploited, and they patched it as soon as it was discovered. That was back in March.

So, why do we hear about it now? The Wall Street Journal asserts Google execs chose not to disclose the issue at the time because it would ‘draw regulatory scrutiny and cause reputational damage’.

Will Alphabet’s handling of the Google+ security issue alleviate the impact, or will this be their Cambridge Analytica?

Copy Transmission is a Melbourne-based agency :: Better Brands. Loud & Clear.