In the past, many web services are not comfortable opening up their users data. They allow users to import data from other services, but do not allow people to export their data. That includes contact details. Many of those services think data lock-in is the way of keeping users, but they didn’t realize it may push users away. The tide has changed — now, Google allows users to CRUD (create, read, update, delete) their contacts through an API. In short, it enables users to export their contacts in a programmatic way. It allows programmers tapping into Google contact more easily and safely. I believe this API opens a new arena on data portability on the Web.

Now I want to see this from Facebook.