IOC releases Olympic social media guidelines

London 2012 has been dubbed the “first truly digital Olympics” and is the first ever Games to be accompanied by a clear-cut social media policy, detailing the restrictions on social media use and sharing – both amongst participants and spectators. Fortunately, it looks like fans will be able to share their content online with a degree of flexibility, as Mark Adams, communications director for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), confirmed this week that the rules are primarily intended to prevent businesses taking advantage of the event, rather than to stop sports enthusiasts from sharing their personal highlights. “Auntie Mabel in Norwich is not going to get a knock on the door at midnight and told to take something down,” he elaborated.

Google introduces ‘share’ button

Google has introduced a ‘share’ button to replace the +1 button that had been appearing alongside search results on their native pages. The button enables users to share and comment on links to article and website links with their Google+ contacts in a more straightforward manner. At present, the share button is an experimental feature. However, if Google persevere and the project is a success, it could have big implications for the way that online content is shared in the future.

McKinsey predicts massive e-commerce growth in China

Consultancy firm McKinsey have predicted that e-commerce sales will increase fivefold in China over the next four years, thanks to the national rise in internet usage and the growth of digital engagement. According to the company, public opinion of online purchasing has become increasingly positive: “Once Chinese customers try online shopping, they tend to like it and become repeat customers”, they explained. Statistics show that 85% of existing online buyers in the country regarded the process as “good or better” than the offline equivalent of purchasing from a store – figures which not only reinforce McKinsey’s conviction, but also suggest that retailers should consider expanding their international e-commerce horizons in the near future.