How Facebook Plans to Take on Google and Twitter

TL;DR

Facebook aims to challenge Google and Twitter with enhanced search capabilities.

Transcript

Facebook has tried this before why why is this time any different well Facebook has tried it before but not in a way that really spoke to how people wanted to use search they did something called graph search in 2013 that was really complicated you had to say like my friends who like wearing high heels you know it just didn't make any sense it wasn... Read More

Key Insights

• Facebook previously attempted search with 'Graph Search' in 2013, which was too complex and robotic for users, failing to gain traction.
• The new search feature aims to leverage the collective knowledge of Facebook's 1.6 billion users, focusing on public posts and real-time information.
• Facebook's search is positioned as a way to access user reactions and context, differing from Google’s research focus and Twitter’s live updates.
• Current user behavior does not naturally align with using Facebook for search, posing a challenge to changing user habits.
• Facebook and Google are interested in a $250 million undersea cable linking Brazil to Europe, aiming for faster data transmission.
• The cable project emerged from Brazil's desire to avoid US surveillance, following NSA monitoring revelations.
• Facebook's stance on encryption is cautious, supporting strong measures without becoming a central figure in the debate.
• Tech companies like Facebook and Twitter are balancing strong anti-terrorism measures with privacy concerns, in contrast to Apple's more public stance.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Facebook's previous search attempt fail?

Facebook's previous search attempt, known as 'Graph Search' in 2013, failed because it was overly complicated and required users to phrase queries in unnatural, robotic ways. This complexity made it difficult for users to engage with the feature effectively, leading to its lack of adoption and eventual failure.

Q: How does Facebook's new search feature differ from Google and Twitter?

Facebook's new search feature is designed to provide context and user reactions, leveraging the platform's vast user base. Unlike Google, which focuses on research and information retrieval, and Twitter, which offers live updates, Facebook aims to offer insights from public posts and user-generated content, creating a unique search experience.

Q: What challenges does Facebook face in changing user behavior?

Facebook faces the challenge of altering user behavior, as people currently do not use the platform primarily for search. Users are accustomed to using Google for research and Twitter for live updates. Facebook must encourage users to adopt its search feature by demonstrating its value and integrating it seamlessly into their online habits.

Q: What is the significance of the undersea cable project for Facebook and Google?

The undersea cable project linking Brazil to Europe is significant for Facebook and Google as it promises faster data transmission, which is crucial for their expansion into data-heavy services like video streaming and virtual reality. Additionally, the project reflects concerns about US surveillance, offering a more secure data route for international communications.

Q: How does Facebook's position on encryption compare to Apple's?

Facebook's position on encryption is more cautious than Apple's. While Facebook supports strong encryption measures, it avoids taking a central role in the public debate. In contrast, Apple has taken a more prominent stance, especially in its legal battles with the FBI over encryption and privacy issues, making it a leading figure in the discussion.

Q: What role does user-generated content play in Facebook's search strategy?

User-generated content is central to Facebook's search strategy, as the platform aims to tap into the collective knowledge and reactions of its 1.6 billion users. By focusing on public posts and real-time information, Facebook seeks to offer a unique search experience that provides context and insights, distinguishing it from traditional search engines.

Q: Why is the undersea cable important for Brazil?

The undersea cable is important for Brazil as it represents an effort to enhance data security and independence from US surveillance. Following revelations of NSA monitoring, Brazil seeks to establish a direct communication link with Europe, reducing reliance on US infrastructure and potentially improving data privacy for its citizens and businesses.

Q: How are tech companies balancing privacy and anti-terrorism measures?

Tech companies like Facebook and Twitter are balancing privacy and anti-terrorism measures by implementing strong security protocols while avoiding becoming the public face of these issues. They aim to support efforts against terrorism, such as removing extremist content, without compromising user privacy or taking a confrontational stance like Apple's in its encryption battle.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Facebook is enhancing its search capabilities to rival Google and Twitter, focusing on utilizing the vast amount of user-generated content on its platform. The new search feature is designed to provide context and reactions rather than straightforward information retrieval, which differentiates it from its competitors.

• Despite the new search feature's potential, user behavior remains a significant hurdle, as people do not currently use Facebook as a primary search tool. Changing this behavior could position Facebook as a major player in the search market, posing a threat to Google and Twitter.

• Facebook and Google’s interest in an undersea cable between Brazil and Europe highlights their need for faster data speeds, especially as they expand into data-intensive services like video streaming and virtual reality. This initiative also reflects broader concerns about US surveillance and privacy.