The walls appear to be coming down at Facebook, according to TechCrunch, which is reporting that the social network will soon turn its platform into an open source project.

The decision could give Facebook a counterpunch against Google and MySpace, which have sought to promulgate universal standards for social networks through OpenSocial. At present, Facebook licenses its developer platform to social networks like Bebo. But the decision to turn its platform into an open source project would allow other social networks to cut through the red tape of cutting a deal with Facebook. The move would also encourage third party developers to build applications and widgets that conform to the Facebook standard, which should help the social network beat back its rivals. 

The news comes amid a growing fight between Google, MySpace and Facebook for control of the future of data portability. While an open platform is a separate issue from data portability, Facebook's decision to lower its walls suggests that the social network may be willing to cede control of some things in exchange for leading the social network pack. With Google, MySpace and Facebook all vying to become a hub for users to manage their personal data, the stakes for first position are high.