Google+ "identity service": Schmidt

The search giant Google admits it sees the new Google+ social network as an "identity service" or platform on which it can build other products, according to media reports.

Google chariman Eric Schmidt said Google isn't interested in changing its policies to accommodate users such as political dissidents or others who prefer to remain anonymous: If people want to remain anonymous, then they shouldn't use Google+.

"Fundamentally, [Google+] depends on people using their real names if they're going to build future products that leverage that information," NPR's Andy Carvin wrote in a post on Google+ as he paraphrased Schmidt's remarks.

Critics say the move is harmful to political activists, victims of harassment and numerous other groups for whom using a real name online might pose a safety risk, according to CNN reports.

"Regarding people who are concerned about their safety, [Schmidt] said G+ is completely optional," Carvin wrote.

Meanwhile, according to Carvin, Schmidt also said "the Internet would be better if we knew you were a real person rather than a dog or a fake person. Some people are just evil and we should be able to ID them and rank them downward."