In the digital age, misinformation spreads faster than wildfire. Recently, social media has been abuzz with claims about Facebook (now Meta) using users’ photos. Let’s separate fact from fiction and explore what’s really going on.
The June 2022 Claim: False Alarm
In June 2022, a viral post claimed that a new Facebook rule would allow the company to use users’ photos in court cases and make all posts and deleted messages public. This caused panic among users, but it turns out the claim was false. Snopes, a trusted fact-checker, debunked it. The post urged users to copy and paste a message to their profiles, supposedly safeguarding their content. Unfortunately, this action had no impact on Facebook’s existing terms of service and privacy policy. Variations of this hoax have circulated for years.
The March 2024 Claim: Another Misinformation
Translation:
“Announcement
Tomorrow Facebook will start a new rule on where they can use your photos. Don’t forget today is the deadline!! It may be used against you in legal proceedings. Everything you post will be public from today. Even messages that have been deleted. It’s worth nothing for a simple copy and paste, better to be safe.
I do not give permission to Facebook or any entity affiliated with Facebook to use my photos, information, messages or posts, past or future. With this statement, I notify Facebook that it may not disclose, copy, distribute or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its content.
Strictly prohibited. Breach of privacy may be punished by law. Note: Facebook Is now a public company. All members must post such explanation. You can copy and paste this version if you want. If you do not post a statement at least once, the
use of your photos and information in profile status updates will be permitted.
Do not share. Just copy and paste the text.
Their new algorithm selects only a few people – about 25 – who will read the posts. This will bypass the system. I don’t allow Facebook to share anything about me!”
Fast forward to March 2024, when a similar claim emerged. This time, it suggested that a new Facebook policy (now under the Meta umbrella) would give the company free rein over users’ posted photos. Users were advised to post a specific message to prevent this. However, this claim is also false. Snopes clarified that copying and pasting a message onto a profile page doesn’t alter the terms of service users agreed to when signing up.
The Reality Check: No New Rule from Facebook
As of now, there is no new Facebook rule allowing the company to use people’s photos without consent. Meta continues to follow its existing data policy and terms of service. The recent name change from Facebook to Meta doesn’t affect how user data is handled. Last update of Meta Privacy is May 26, 2022.
Verifying Before Sharing
Misinformation spreads like wildfire. When you encounter similar messages, verify their accuracy. Don’t fall for hoaxes. Stay informed and share reliable information.
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