Google is no longer forcing people to signup for Google+

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When creating a new account with Google, the search giant no longer requires users to sign up for Google+. Before, users were ushered down a linear path straight to Google’s social network, but a new No Thanks button let’s folks avoid this altogether. What does this mean for Google? Well, the company’s social network struggles have long been documented, so this could indicate Google is finally accepting Google+’s fate. Or perhaps there were just so many complaints from users that Google finally relented; it was never good practice to force users to sign up for something they would never use.

Google has lifted its requirement that new Google users also create a Google+ account, Marketing Land reports. When you sign up for a Gmail, Google Docs, or other Google account, a new “No thanks” button lets you opt out of Google’s social network. Creating a Google+ account was never that much of a pain anyway, but lifting the requirement signals that Google is less committed than it once was when it comes to force-feeding Google+ to its users. And this is only the latest indication. In July, Google stopped forcing Google+ users to use their real names. In April, we reported that Google was doing away with its Sign In with Google+ buttons in favor of a more straightforward Sign In The Google button. Most recently, in August Bloomberg reported that Google was spinning out Google+ Photos, the social network’s best feature, into its own service. Google hasn’t made any official announcements about the state of Google+, but the company’s enthusiasm for the product seems to be fading. Google+ boss Vic Gundotra either left or was fired last April — since then, Google+ hasn’t really been the same. And now, Google+ will likely see far fewer new user signups.