Google, Facebook Bicker Over Contacts

Social network sneaks around search giant's block
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 10, 2010 12:44 PM CST
Google, Facebook Bicker Over Contacts
In this Oct. 8, 2010 photo, the Google logo is displayed outside Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Angered by Facebook’s data export policies, Google barred Facebook users from importing Gmail contacts last week—but Facebook quickly found a way around the problem, the Guardian reports. Calling for a “world of true data liberation,” Google labeled the social networking site a “data dead end” because users can’t easily export their contact data from the site.

The search giant said only sites that shared its stance on data export would have access to its contacts feed. But over at Facebook, a little hacking dodged a bullet. Using the services provided by Google’s Data Liberation Front, Facebook began allowing users to download their Gmail contacts, then upload them, all without leaving the social network. Google fired back, saying it was “disappointed” but would keep allowing users to export contacts.
(More Google stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X