WebProNews

The New York Times has launched a social networking platform called TimesPeople, which is in public beta.

TimesPeople is a Firefox browser add-on. The company says it will launch a public version of the social platform later this year that will not require a plug-in and will work on all major browsers.

TimesPeople will allow users to share articles, videos, slideshows, blog posts, comments on articles, and rate and review movies, restaurants and hotels. The platform will allow users to create their own network with other Times readers.

Users will have their own personal page that saves all the content they have shared along with the reviews and recommendations of other members in their network.

TimesPeople will not track routine site activity, such as when users read articles, click on links or view graphics. It will also not share private activities such as when a user emails an article or a video.

Users will be able to link their TimesPeople activity to their Facebook profile. Within Facebook users can control where their TimesPeople activity is displayed, including their Mini-Feed and other areas. Only users own activity will be available on Facebook and not the activity of others in a users TimesPeople network.

In the future TimesPeople will add improved people searches, the ability to import Google contacts, suggestions to help members find like-minded people, and integration with the NYTimes.com registration.