MySpace Developer Platform launches

As promised, MySpace has launched its developer platform, meaning that third-party developers can start building applications for the social networking site. Although users were previously allowed to run third-party mini-apps or widgets on their profiles -- with a full developer platform, applications will now have direct access to users' public MySpace profile data (interests, region, friends' list etc.) through the provision of MySpace Developer Platform (MDP) APIs.

A few of the key takeaways:

• Developers will have access to all public profile data and will be able to use JavaScript, HTML and ActionScript (Flash).
• Privacy controls will be the same as currently exist: profile data made public will be accessible by MDP apps, private profile data will not.
• For security reasons, MDP apps will utilize a Google-developed technology called "Kaja" in order to keep vulnerabilities out of the code, particularly JavaScript.
• Applications will have to go through some sort of official review process before they go live.
• MDP supports the Google-led OpenGadget OpenSocial, making it easier to port apps to other social networking sites, although MySpace has added extensions of their own.
• MDP apps can be monetized by developers through running ads on the 'canvas' page, the main area of the site where each application is interacted with.