Google shut down consumer Google+ on April 2, 2019, after two software bugs exposed some users’ non-public profile information to third-party apps. The first disclosure also cited low consumer engagement; the second bug, disclosed in December 2018, accelerated the planned shutdown from August to April. Google said it found no evidence that developers misused the access.
Why did Google+ shut down?
Google announced the consumer service’s closure on October 8, 2018, after an internal review called Project Strobe. Google cited both the difficulty of maintaining a consumer product that met users’ expectations and a bug in the Google+ People API, which apps could use to access profile information. Google said 90 percent of Google+ user sessions lasted less than five seconds. (Google, October 8, 2018)
The initial plan was to wind down consumer Google+ by the end of August 2019. On December 10, Google disclosed a second API bug and moved the shutdown forward to April 2019. Google’s January 30, 2019 instructions set April 2 as the date consumer accounts and pages would be shut down and deletion of consumer content would begin. (Google, December 10, 2018; Google Workspace, January 30, 2019)
What information did the Google+ bugs expose?
The first bug: optional profile fields
The first bug allowed an app that had permission to view a user’s profile to also see certain non-public static fields on that profile. These could include name, email address, occupation, gender and age. Google said the bug did not expose Google+ posts, messages, Google account data, phone numbers or G Suite content. It said up to 500,000 accounts were potentially affected and up to 438 applications may have used the API. Google patched the bug in March 2018. Because API logs were retained for only two weeks, it said it could not identify every affected user. (Google, October 8, 2018)
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The second bug: profile information shared between users
A separate bug introduced by a November 2018 software update remained for six days. It allowed apps with profile permission to see non-public profile information belonging to the consenting user, as well as information another Google+ user had shared with that person. Google said approximately 52.5 million users were affected. It also said the bug did not expose financial data, national identification numbers, passwords or similar information typically used for fraud or identity theft. (Google, December 10, 2018)
Was Google+ hacked?
The disclosures describe software bugs that gave some third-party apps access to profile information beyond what their permissions were intended to allow. Google did not report a breach by an outside intruder. In its December disclosure, Google said no third party had compromised its systems and that it had no evidence the app developers who had access during the six days knew about it or misused it. That is Google’s stated assessment; the disclosures do not establish that misuse was impossible.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How many people were affected?
The two incidents had different figures and should not be conflated. For the first bug, Google said up to 500,000 accounts were potentially affected; because logs did not cover the full period, Google said it could not identify every affected user. For the second bug, Google reported approximately 52.5 million users as affected during the six-day exposure. These are Google’s figures in its 2018 disclosures, not an independently verified count.
When did Google+ close?
- October 8, 2018: Google announced the consumer shutdown, initially targeting the end of August 2019, and disclosed the first People API bug. (Google)
- December 10, 2018: Google disclosed the second bug and accelerated the shutdown to April 2019. (Google)
- January 30, 2019: Google told users that shutdown and content deletion would begin April 2, and advised them to download content beforehand. (Google Workspace)
- April 2, 2019: The consumer shutdown and deletion process began. (Google Workspace)
Can you recover old Google+ photos or posts?
Google’s January 2019 notice told users to download their consumer Google+ content before April 2. That notice documents the download opportunity before deletion began; it does not establish a current way to retrieve content after the service’s shutdown and deletion process. Google’s cited instructions do not promise recovery of deleted Google+ posts or photos.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What happened to Google+ for businesses?
The consumer shutdown did not mean all Google+ use ended. Google said G Suite enterprise accounts would remain active, and its instructions distinguished consumer accounts and pages from the enterprise service. For developers, Google pointed to Google Sign-In for authentication and the Google People API for user-profile data. Availability of those products or specific integrations may change, so current documentation should be checked before building against them. (Google Workspace, January 30, 2019)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
