Instagram, a popular social network for sharing photos, has just recently changed their Terms of Service policy which has left most of its users fuming mad. A lot of people are very vocal about their disappointment on this recent change and some have even said that they have already deactivated their accounts.
What caught the attention of people is the new changes which states
“Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you. If you are under the age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed to this provision (and the use of your name, likeness, username, and/or photos (along with any associated metadata)) on your behalf.”
The new ToS will give the company the right to use any of your photos for commercial purposes without asking for your permission. You will not be compensated in any way if your photos are used. If you are wondering when this will take effect, it’s going to be this coming January 16.
While other social networks have gotten away with several issues of privacy concerns this latest development of Instagram is causing a problem for the company. Selling photos of users? That in my opinion is a bit too far already.
Instagram was launched last 2010 and now has more than 100 million active members. It was recently acquired by Facebook for approximately $1 billion in cash and stocks.
UPDATE:
It looks like Instagram is listening to its members as co-founder Kevin Systrom has released a statement regarding the new ToS.
“I’m writing this today to let you know we’re listening and to commit to you that we will be doing more to answer your questions, fix any mistakes, and eliminate the confusion. As we review your feedback and stories in the press, we’re going to modify specific parts of the terms to make it more clear what will happen with your photos.”
A new ToS might be on the way.
For more details on this check it out here.
Thanks to Nick for this information
