At first the enthusiasm was huge: Gmail was entering the world of social networking with Google Buzz, a new application that allows you to see and respond to updates from other Gmail users. Better still, you could link it up to your YouTube, Twitter and other networking accounts.
As Google Buzz gradually went live for users throughout the course of yesterday, the feeling was one of impatience – "When will it be my turn to get buzzing?"
But before the novelty wore off, the Silicon Alley Insider made a serious point - unless you change the default settings, anyone can see who you email and chat with the most. That's because the application automatically adds those people to your follower lists - and does so before you have a chance to tell it not to.
The news caused consternation among Gmail users, and Twitter and the other social networks were filled with messages about the flaw. Although a cynic might point out that a negative buzz is still buzz for Buzz.
A good summary of the problem was provided by Professor Andrew Chadwick, who pointed out that the set-up could lead to serious problems for some individuals:
There are many personal and professional contexts in which auto-generated Buzz profiles could be highly problematic for individuals. But if you are a political activist in an authoritarian state, the problem could be particularly severe. Who is to stop the authorities snooping around Buzz profiles that have been unwittingly activated and made public?
Or, to sum up: nice idea Google, but you should have asked us first.
If you'd like advice on social networking, particularly as part of online marketing campaigns, please get in touch.
