Facebook is in the news recently, and it has far more to do with facebook’s content rules than it’s social impact.
Facebook changed its rules this month. On its terms of services, facebook says it has all rights to use any content uploaded to its site even after the user cancels its membership on facebook.
Why be concerned?
I have always questioned why peeps did not want to be on facebook. It’s a great way to connect with people from all over the world. I can utilize my networking and communication speed with friends and family through this social media site, and be up to date with my friends’ latest rendezvous.
However, the thought of facebook having authority to distribute one’s pictures and embarrassing personal information (such as the big wave of “25 random things about me”) to companies without my discretion is scary!
I am an avid user of facebook, and I have little cousins who use the site as well. There is just too much personal information about one’s life on this site- videos posted, pictures tagged, wall posts…etc. I don’t think a company should be able to license or expose someone’s information and make profit off of it without one's permission.
Facebook, we love you, but switch your content rules. Until then, no tagged photos, or wall posts for me.
3 comments:
Thanks for this post, I had no idea. I don't think that Facebook should own the content that's uploaded unto it's site, and they should have def. publicized this change of the TOA and given people a chance to remove content or delete their accounts all together. While the number of users on Facebook has grown tremendously--they may even be the largest social networking site--I can see a large amount of backlash resulting from this abuse of personal information and digital property.
Social networking is all about being open for public viewing. When we sign the agreement to utilize any of their services, we give them the authority to eavesdrop on us at any time. I don't think it's right though for Facebook to have access to personal information after members have already canceled their accounts-that stuff should be deleted! And they should have no right to use any personal content without having the recognition of its current members. If there is criminal content found on their site, then I think any search and seizure would be justified, but there has to be some sort of respect for the privacy of its members. Facebook users really feel comfortable talking with family and friends in an open forum because they feel a sense of privacy and security with Facebook. So if Facebook is abusing that, they need to be questioned about it!
Kaye, maybe you should start some sort of petition against Facebook calling for them to change this obvious breach of privacy; Or at least explain the reason why they NEED to do this.
Cynical- there's already been a lot of backlash from digital photos- case in point-the former Ms. NJ (2007) was blackmailed to relinquish her crown. Someone got her photos off of her private facebook account and threatened to reveal them to the public. And...the Michael Phelps marijuana case...list goes on...
Demetrius...you have it right on the ball. Maybe I'll start a facebook group to end this breach or something... ;)
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