You can use Google OAuth as a user authentication mechanism without requiring these Google users to activate Google+ accounts. See Using OAuth 2.0 to Log In . This approach is based on querying the user ID using the userinfo.profile or userinfo.email OAuth userinfo.email .
You get enhanced functionality and social features if you use Google+ login , and if your users choose this option, they will be asked to upgrade their Google account. This approach uses the plus.login OAuth area, which receives your identification information in addition to others API methods that may be called.
The choice of approach that works for your application and audience is up to you.
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