Don’t Fall for the Facebook Privacy Hoaxes
The dreaded Facebook privacy hoaxes are back. By now, you have probably seen hundreds of your friends post one or both of these hoaxes that started a few years back. And of course, they are causing an unwarranted panic.
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Both of the privacy posts are false. So please don’t fall for the hoax and blow up your friend’s news feed with rumors! Here are the two posts to look out for…
One claims to be a legally-binding message to protect Facebook photos and profile information from copyright infringement:
As of September 28th , 2015 at 10:50p.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 If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates.
Another allow users to purchase a $5.99 monthly subscription to ensure posts stay private:
Now it’s official! It has been published in the media. Facebook has just released the entry price: $5.99 to keep the subscription of your status to be set to “private.” If you paste this message on your page, it will be offered free (I said paste not share) if not tomorrow, all your posts can become public. Even the messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. After all, it does not cost anything for a simple copy and paste.
You cannot change privacy terms by simply copying and pasting a post on Facebook. The company says in its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities: “You own all of the content and information you post on Facebook, and you can control how it is shared through your privacy and application settings.”
Written by: Kristin Peaks, PR & Social Media Director
