A bug in Google Plus that exposed hundreds of thousands of Google Plus user’s’ private data caused Google to shut down the social network. The breach went undiscovered from 2015 until March of this year that, according to Google The bug allowed developers to access personal data that used the Google Plus app even if user’s had not given permission. The app was patched but Google did not disclose the bug out of fear of regulatory repercussions, especially after Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica privacy breach.
According to a Google blog, Google found no evidence that any developer was aware of this bug and they found no evidence that any Profile data was misused.
Google Plus always found it hard to compete with Facebook. It has low usage and engagement: 90 percent of Google Plus user sessions are less than five seconds. Google Plus’ “Enterprise” level platform for business is more popular and will not be shut down.
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