Google+ membership no longer mandatory with Google account

October 01, 2014 09:41 am | Updated April 18, 2016 09:06 pm IST - Berlin

The opt-out has its limits. File photo.

The opt-out has its limits. File photo.

Google has done away with its requirement, in place since 2012, that any person creating a Google account must automatically sign up to its Google Plus social network.

Now, if you sign up for Gmail service, there is an option to tick a “no thanks” box when the prompt to create a Google+ profile appears.

The company had already begun reacting to criticism about Google+ during the summer mid-year, when it got rid of the requirement that all Google+ users could only log on with their real name.

However, the opt-out has its limits. Anyone who wants to review apps in Google’s Play store or leave a comment about a YouTube clip will have to first sign up to the social networking site.

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