It’s been an interesting month.  There were several articles in the Financial Times (My favorite paper long before the Obama influx – just like Team of Rivals) that caught my eye in that time span.  Here they are (grouping and comments added):

• Google set to take on Apple in China
• Smartphone rivals ready to engage
• China to get iPhone (8/28/2009 from Wireless Week)

The world’s first and second largest wireless operators by subscriber numbers (China Mobile and China Unicom respectfully),  are ready to launch smartphone handset which utilize 3G services.  The prominent handsets will be China Mobile’s Android OPhone and China Unicom’s desired iPhone offering.  [UPDATE:  As reported on 8/28, China Unicom has reached a multi-year deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to China.]  While financial folks will ponder the ramifications of the new marketspace, I’m wondering about the implications on social media (more below).

• Facebook could be a hit with shoppers
• Facebook clicks with advertisers by offering connection with users

Apparently Facebook will have a few storefronts opening up in the next few weeks.  One of the first will be 1-800-Flowers.  Consider that 120 million people log into facebook each day.  Combine that with all the other Facebook apps that gather your information – such as birthdays, and you have a very powerful and customized e-commerce platform.  In addition, the advertising links are more targeted to the communities the products are catered to.  This isn’t rocket science, but it underlines the importance of being in the space where your customers go, where the communicate, and where they play.  Now if only all those new Chinese smartphone users could access Facebook.

• Marines ban social network sites

The US government has placed a ban of at least one year on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.  They have stated the reasoning is because they want to protect military networks from potential malicious code.  It’s also probable that the DoD wants to eliminate potential information leaks (such as confidential arrivals and departures in sensitive geographic locations).  However, have they considered the impact on the common soldier?  Most of our soldiers are 20-somethings who use these sites as the primary method of communication with friends and family.

• Human rights groups attack Chávez ‘media crimes’ law

So Hugo Chávez wants to imprison folks for up to four years who speak out in the media.  The bill seeks to punish journalists and anyone they interview who “causes panic”, “disturbs social peace”, or compromises national security.  Chávez is fighting what he calls “media terrorism”.   Currently, this is aimed at television and radio, but could easily bleed to the internet and social networking platforms.  Coupled with the nationalization of the radio stations in Venezuela, this is a pointed effort to limit personal expression.  At least he’s not banning it like the Marines.

Now pile this on top of the ongoing developments around communication in Iran.

Social media is not going away.  It is not a fad.  It will only become more pervasive as time moves on and people are exposed to its power to give the individual a voice.  It is a powerful tool in anyone’s toolbox: whether they be a political activist, a journalist in a not so “free-speech” country, a company trying to sell a product, or a consumer.

We all have a voice.  Social media allows us to be heard.  Should there be limits?  Possibly.  The articles mentioned show multiple facets to this question.  They also show how the largest population will soon have access to social media tools via their phones.  And finally, they show how businesses are relying on this type of communication and interaction to grow their business.

It’s an open conversation and I welcome your opinions…