Google May Partner with Twitter

Reports say that search engine giant Google is currently talking to Twitter, a recent micro-blogging phenomenon, not about a buy-out, but about a partnership. Though nothing has been announced, experts say that they’re likely talking about running AdSense ads on Twitter.

Image: Twitter.com

This will allow the company to make some money, but this could be a good move for Google as well, as it will lessen the chance that Twitter will be bought by a rival company. It also lessens the chance that Twitter will become a Google competitor. Early this week, the company unveiled a new search engine function, which some people speculated could become a competitor to other search engines.

Some, however, are still speculating that Google will buy Twitter. Last month, Twitter reportedly turned down a $500 million buy-out from social networking site Facebook, so Google’s offer would have to be substantial to even be considered. Says co-founder Biz Stone,

“It should come as no surprise that Twitter engages in discussions with other companies regularly and on a variety of subjects. Our goal is to build a profitable, independent company and we’re just getting started.”

Some believe that Twitter is peaking in popularity, and now is the time to sell. Others say that Stone’s assessment that the company is “just getting started” is more accurate, and selling now could be regretted in the future.