WebiMax Contributor, March 13, 2012
It's easy to get encapsulated in a microcosm. We, as search engine specialists, forget what it's like for those outside our industry; at present, many are unsure how to brand the evolution of SEO. Also, it's easy to think about marketing practices within the boundaries of the United States; yet, there is such a service as international search engine optimization.
As technologies proliferate, it wouldn't be a far stretch to think the world will get smaller. No, I don't think anyone will craft a 'shrink-ray gun' befitting of a Pinky and the Brain cartoon segment; yet, think of how the Web has made world communication easier, allowing people to communicate across large amounts of space.
As online marketing progresses, what options can we expect? On the other hand, what limitations will be put in place? For instance, if you sparsely read within the industry, you know smartphone usage is expanding; marketers are rightfully tracing how to expose that market to services and products.
Social media usage is also widely popular (only becoming moreso as more platforms settle in on the Web). However, as referenced, it's easy to get stuck in a microcosm, to assume things are elsewhere as they are where you are. Social media use in other lands is not as 'free' as in the United States.
The Wall Street Journal recently produced a story on Google, Facebook, and India censors. Google and Facebook are facing charges related to housing particular content, viewed as unacceptable by an Indian journalist, Vinay Rai. The journalist believes 12 Web sources host material that "seeks to create enmity, hatred and communal violence." Those aren’t positive nouns. What kind of material deserves such labels? Mr. Rai did not call attention to anything specific (to Facebook or Google); yet, he did call some things to the attention of the Indian government.
India's information-tech law protects them from user content. The former parties have responsibility but only after proper notification. It would otherwise seem like a tall order for Facebook and Google to scrutinize uploaded content on a per-case basis. Google and Facebook have petitioned; yet, the hearing does not spring until the early days of May.
The outcome will garner interest, especially for brands interested in international expansion (especially in India). "The biggest driver of Internet adoption in India is clearly social networking," says Kunal Bajaj, head of Indian operations for a tech-consulting firm.
