If you’re a Facebook user you may be seeing this status update pop up quite often recently. It goes a little something like this:
As of September 28th, 2015 at 10:48 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 If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates.
Rest assured, you can post all day long about how you don’t give Facebook permission to use your pictures or status. It won’t matter.
The bottom line is this. You are posting that (ridiculous) little statement ON FACEBOOK. Make all the declarations you want but if you don’t want Facebook using your stuff there is only one sure fire way to guarantee it. Don’t post it on Facebook.
Facebook has no plans to charge you to keep your profile private.
Additionally, this particular variation of this declaration is complete garbage. I giggle particularly at the line, “The content of this profile is private and confidential information.” If you honestly thing anything you posts on Facebook (or any other social media platform for that matter) is either A) private or B) confidential, we should have a talk about what social media is. Don’t believe me? Here’s what Snopes has to say about Facebook Privacy.
I realize I’m being a bit harsh here but its irritating to see these sorts of declarations pop up every now and then.
My #1 personal rule of social media, regardless of privacy settings, is and always has been this:
Assume everyone can see everything you post. Period.
If you live by that rule, social media becomes much less complicated.