You may have noticed recently that some of your friends have started posting status updates that look similar to this:
“Better safe than sorry is right. Channel 11 News was just talking about this change in Facebookâs privacy policy. Better safe than sorry. As of September 26th , 2015 at 01:16 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 If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates. DO NOT SHARE. You MUST copy and paste.”
You know the ones. Well, they’re utterly meaningless, and have no effect on Facebook’s privacy policy whatsoever. When you sign up for a Facebook account, you automatically agree to certain terms and conditions, and implicitly agree for Facebook to use, share, and collect your information.
These hoaxes do pop up from time to time, and they have been doing the rounds for some weeks. Pay no attention and keep using Facebook at your own risk.