Google+ business profiles being deleted
Company profiles are being deleted, but Google says it is working on a business version of its social network.


Google has started deleting business profiles on its new social networking service, but only in preparation for a bespoke Google+ experience for companies.
The Mountain View company announced its Google+ service late last month, with many labelling it a Facebook rival.
Many companies flocked to the service if they were lucky enough to get their hands on an invite but they are now having their accounts removed.
"We are discouraging businesses from using regular profiles to connect with Google+ users," said Christian Oestlien, advertising lead on the team behind Google+, in a company post.
"Our policy team will actively work with profile owners to shut down non-user profiles."
However, Google is working hard on a "business experience" that should be far better than the consumer version in terms of being suitable for companies, Oestlien said.
Google will have "something to show the world" later in 2011, he confirmed.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
"How users communicate with each other is different from how they communicate with brands, and we want to create an optimal experience for both," Oestlien added.
In the next few months, Google will be working with a select group of marketing companies to see what effect adding brands to Google+ will have.
Businesses who want to take part in the experiment can sign up here.
Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.
He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.
-
Cleo attack victim list grows as Hertz confirms customer data stolen
News Hertz has confirmed it suffered a data breach as a result of the Cleo zero-day vulnerability in late 2024, with the car rental giant warning that customer data was stolen.
By Ross Kelly
-
Lateral moves in tech: Why leaders should support employee mobility
In-depth Encouraging staff to switch roles can have long-term benefits for skills in the tech sector
By Keri Allan
-
How to use LinkedIn to market yourself as an IT professional
whitepaper Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or creating one for the first time, it’s critical to remain consistent and credible if you hope to raise your profile within the IT industry
By ITPro
-
Meta to pay $725 million in Cambridge Analytica lawsuit settlement
News The settlement closes the long-running lawsuit into how Facebook's owner, Meta, handled the Cambridge Analytica scandal
By Ross Kelly
-
Businesses to receive unique Twitter verification badge in platform overhaul
News There will be new verification systems for businesses, governments, and individuals - each receiving differently coloured checkmarks
By Connor Jones
-
Twitter could charge $20 a month for 'blue tick' verification, following Musk takeover
News Developers have allegedly been given just seven days to implement the changes or face being fired
By Rory Bathgate
-
Meta's earnings are 'cause for concern' and 2023 looks even bleaker
Analysis Calls for investor faith in metaverse tech only emphasise the worries that its investment strategy won't pay off
By Rory Bathgate
-
Microsoft and Meta announce integration deal between Teams and Workplace
News Features from both business collaboration platforms will be available to users without having to switch apps
By Connor Jones
-
Facebook is shutting down its controversial facial recognition system
News The move will see more than a billion facial templates removed from Facebook's records amid a push for more private applications of the technology
By Connor Jones
-
'Changing name to Meat': Industry reacts to Facebook's Meta rebrand
News The rebrand attempts to provide a clearer distinction between Facebook and its umbrella company
By Connor Jones