Tantrums and Tiaras

There has been high drama in the digital world this week, with tensions mounting between Facebook and Google, this time over the export of data from Google Mail, or gmail accounts to Facebook. Facebook has responded with actions rather than words, hastily launching a new service enabling fans to download and then upload contacts irrespective of whether they hold gmail accounts, or any other. Is this squabble between two internet giants increasing awareness of data security and usage, or simply compounding existing concerns about the vast amounts of personal data now ‘owned’ by these large virtual corporations? We’re not sure, but one lady who certainly hasn’t been put off is our very own Queen, who has launched her own Facebook page in the last week.

As experienced marketers and web developers will know, building a digital footprint is all about integration. Alongside the existing royal website, flickr page, YouTube channel and twitter, fans can now receive further information, images and video of the Monarch and her activities through a variety of integrated social media options, and get direct newsfeeds from the Palace. Similar to corporate profiles, visitors to the Queen’s new facebook page can ‘like’ the Queen, and while over 175, 000 people have already signed up and shown their support, the new page has provided an outlet for critics of the monarchy to share their views in a very public forum. Just like any other business, it appears the monarchy is facing the same concerns about ‘going social’, particularly in regard to the open, unrestrained dialogue which can plague brands of all shapes and sizes.