Google is constantly experimenting with new ways to use Hangouts, the video-based chat feature built into its Google+ social network. President Obama used the software for a public discussion with American citizens, and the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu got together over the service to talk about their common goals. And those are just two examples.
The company announced a “series of global debates” on Thursday that will “connect people on opposing sides of the social and political spectrum.” The project, named Versus, will include controversial, opinionated figures discussing and debating vital current events topics — almost like a TED for arguments between the world’s top experts.
The debates will make use of Google Hangouts’ ability to include guests from around the world by bringing in members of the public to ask questions of the participants. Versus’ global audience will also be able to say whether they agree with a particular argument by using a real-time online voting tool.
The first debate, “It’s Time to End the War on Drugs,” is scheduled for March 13 and will stream live over YouTube. The guests include billionaire Richard Brandson, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, actor/comedian Russel Brand and former presidents of Mexico and Brazil, among other participants. The panel will be hosted by the BBC’s Emily Maitlis.
Versus is being done in connection with Intelligence Squared. Intelligence Squared is based in the UK with a U.S. offshoot and bills itself as the “the world’s premier forum for debate and intelligent discussion.” Its previous debates include topics such as “What hope for the economy? Capitalism in crisis” and “Google violates its ‘Don’t Be Evil’ motto.”
Will you tune into Versus? What topics would you like to see covered? Sound off in the comments below.
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