Facebook Hoax

In the last few months, many Facebook users have come across a status update that poses to be a legally binding privacy notice. This blanket disclaimer basically claims copyright on all items posted to Facebook, including photos, status updates, user's stock-in-trade, and anything else posted to Facebook. Unfortunately, you should probably consult with a real lawyer because this is all a hoax.

Here is what the status update looks like:

The notice started to spread after Facebook announced their new privacy guidelines; also stating that members of Facebook could comment on the proposed changes, but not vote. Users are starting to believe that Facebook's listing as a publicly traded company will affect its member's privacy rights. What most Facebook participants seem to forget is that they granted Facebook a "a non-exclusive, transferable, sub-licensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use any IP content that you post on or in connection with Facebook (IP License)." Basically, you still retain copyright on what you post on Facebook—just not the right to ban it from the agreement already made with Facebook. Makes sense.

Facebook's privacy is a common debate topic that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, but it is important to know that Facebook does offer an assorted set of privacy controls—which allow members to choose how, what, and where they are posting.

Our advice to you, ignore the privacy notices you see, BUT always be careful of what you are posting on social media or the web!

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