Updated: 15:02
RECENTLY, YOU MAY have noticed some Facebook status updates popping up, claiming it will prevent Facebook from using your photos, info or posts on the site.
The status update would look a little like this (with some variations here and there).
Better safe than sorry is right. Channel 11 News was just talking about this change in Facebook’s privacy policy. Better safe than sorry. As of September 26th , 2015 at 01:16 a.m. Eastern standard time, I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, or posts, both past and future. By this statement, I give notice to Facebook it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308- 1 1 308-103 and the Rome Statute). NOTE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates. DO NOT SHARE. You MUST copy and paste.
These hoaxes appear time and time again, the most recent one appearing back in January, and always follow the same format. A vague source, language that sounds somewhat legal-ish and references to Facebook being a public company (which only refers to it being a publicly traded company in the stock market).
Ultimately, posting these updates have no effect on Facebook’s privacy policy. When you sign up to Facebook (or any service for that matter), agreeing to the Terms and Conditions means you give it permission to use, share and collect your information.
Facebook doesn’t claim copyright on your content. Instead, users own and control the information they post and share. How it uses your information is covered in its data policy and relates to the services you use on a daily basis.
If you’re really concerned about your privacy on Facebook, there are a number of different measures you can take to keep your information secure, all of them are much better than copying and pasting a status update.
Another hoax that emerged today as well claimed that Facebook would charge users a fee to make their accounts private. Since Facebook is entirely dependent upon being free – users aren’t the customer, they’re the product in case you need reminding – this is false.
The service did post an update rubbishing both claims in the hopes it won’t crop up again.
While there may be water on Mars, don’t believe everything you read on the internet today. Facebook is free and it always will be. And the thing about copying and pasting a legal notice is just a hoax. Stay safe out there Earthlings!
Originally published: 09:05
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