Did you see Facebook friends sharing what seemed like a public warning about the social media giant going public, along with your photos? Were you also tempted to copy and paste that “statement” on your wall that denies permission to anyone to use your photos?
Here’s one version:
And here’s another version of the post:
However, this “statement” is just another hoax that has risen over and over again on Facebook. And the case is not isolated in the Philippines.
According to hoax-slaying site Snopes.com, this Facebook copyright post has been on social media since November 2012.
Facebook itself has debunked the rumors with this archived post.
“There is a rumor circulating that Facebook is making a change related to ownership of users’ information or the content they post to the site. This is fake. Anyone who uses Facebook owns and controls the content and information they post, as stated in our terms. They control how that content and information is shared. That is our policy, and it always has been.”
Under the social media’s Statements of Rights and Responsibilities, Facebook states that content posted using the “Public” setting allows everyone, even non-Facebook users, to see it. But if you set your post to “Private,” then a different set of rules will apply.
In ABS-CBN’s report about the hoax, it pointed out Facebook’s reminder to its users about this particular fake story.
“Don’t believe it. Our terms say clearly: You own all of the content and information you post on Facebook, and you can control how it’s shared through your privacy and application settings. That’s how it works, and this hasn’t changed,” Facebook said.
The company also encouraged users to check their Privacy Basics and their Data Policy.
“We want you to be informed and in control of your experience on Facebook,” the company added.
Fox5 also busted that hoax.
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In the most recent hoax, it mentioned “UCC 1-308 1 308-103,” which the Cornell University Law School website reportedly confirmed to be non-existent. The “Rome Statute” mentioned is also completely unrelated to Facebook as the statute deals with international crimes such as crimes against humanity, genocide, the crime of aggression, and war crimes.
Another viral post from Facebook page “Your Lawyer Says” debunked that hoax for Filipino netizens, too.
The page pointed out these points:
- Statutes governing US-based Facebook do not affect the Filipinos in the Philippines.
- The UCC code is not related to social media at all; it was about American financial transactions. On the other hand, the Rome Statute was already clarified earlier.
- Facebook users only need to follow its terms and conditions. They will be notified if changes were implemented.
- Facebook users have to follow the social media’s privacy or copyright terms, as signed upon registration, according to Snopes.com. It takes more than a statement to counter privacy threats on social media.
- Facebook has reminded users that the social media follows its terms, as cited above.
- Privacy settings are available for you – public or private.
- In the Vivares v. St Theresa College, the SC ruled that the students’ rights were not violated when their public photos were used as proof for their suspension in school.
- Be a responsible social media user.
As a parting shot, the Facebook page said: “Yes, it is better to be safe than sorry, but it is BEST to research and be informed.”
Sources: (cbsnews.com, news.abs-cbn.com, facebook.com, fox5ny.com)
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