Don’t be the guy who posts that completely useless privacy notice on Facebook … again. Hey, better safe than sorry, right?
Wrong. Just say no.
A hoax as old as any (and there are a lot inside the Facebook bubble) has resurfaced, tricking a new round of users (and likely some of the same) into posting a completely meaningless privacy message as a status update. It’s a slightly different version of the same old – a decree of sorts stating that Facebook is no longer allowed to use your content.
Except they are, and they do.
Here’s an example of what you may see floating around your news feed:
Better safe than sorry. The news was just talking about this change in Facebook’s privacy policy. As of January 5th, 2015 at 6:45am 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 that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute or take any other action against me based on this profile, which is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308-11 308-103 and 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 If you do not publish this statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as information contained in the profile status updates. DO NOT SHARE you MUST copy and paste to make this status. I will leave a comment so it will be easier to copy and paste!!!
Of course, by using Facebook, you’ve already agreed to this:
“For content that is covered by intellectual property rights, like photos and videos (IP content), you specifically give us the following permission, subject to your privacy and application settings: you grant us 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).”
Posting a status doesn’t change that. It never will. Posting a status will also not save that little boy with cancer. Facebook’s not going to donate to his cause. Also, he doesn’t exist. Facebook’s never going to charge a monthly fee either. There’s no Facebook Drug Task Force, and the site isn’t shutting down because it’s overpopulated.
Please, skip the privacy notice and get back to posting quizzes. Your friends will be less annoyed.
