URLs are shortened in fashion since the exchange of Internet links on social networks. And all the players are starting to Web use and abuse. So much so that Google and Facebook are both to announce the launch of services using shortened URLs.

At Google, it is the launch of the domain name "goo.gl. An address for the time reserved for the sharing feature of Google Toolbar in IE and Firefox, but Google could extend to other services. "The compression system of URLs Google is not a separate service. It is not possible to directly use it to reduce its links (...) If the service proves useful, it may be that we were going available to a wider audience "Google said on its blog.

In turn, Facebook follows the model that Flickr has recently shortened URL type Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing / xxx "to point to a picture. Thus, Facebook is launching the domain name "fb.me" through which can be compressed a URL pointing also to a photo hosted on the social network. This area is also used to shorten the URL to a member profile type fb.me / michelmartin.

Rest for the small world of the shortened URL to counteract the problems of SPAMS that these little known addresses. Since they are used, networks of spammers use them to convey their messages. Note however that services to lengthen a shortened URL exist, to know, before you click, what you will find.