Socially speaking

So the G-20 leaders have cottoned onto using social networks.

According to a press release that found its way into my inbox, policy makers around the world were able to collaborate over secure social networking software before the G-20 Toronto Summit to ensure they were all discussing the real issues of the moment.

Canada's largest software company Open Text created the software, which was also accessible from Blackberrys, iPhones and iPads, bringing all the world's superpowers in line with the latest technology.

This begs the question - did they have to create a huge carbon footprint by meeting in the first place?

I can imagine what they are saying to one another - something along the lines of 'can you lend me $800bn to help me out of a sticky situation?', or 'not the best result in the footie last night was it?'

I wonder if this is the way forward for future summits? It would certainly save a pretty packet on security costs, but cause some professional protesters to be out of work.

Everyone keeps saying this is the year for videoconferencing - could these world leaders really lead the way this time?