In the last few hours I detected a growing number of Facebook posts from many users who claim copyright over their own pictures. Well, after some research I confirmed what I suspected: this is an Hoax, ie a false viral message that Facebook users are massively posting on their walls.
This is the message full version:
In response to the new Facebook guidelines, I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, graphics, comics, paintings, photos, and videos, etc. (as a result of the Berner Convention). For any and all commercial use of the above my written consent is required in every instance.
(Those reading this may copy and paste this text on their Facebook walls. This will place them under protection of copyright laws. By the present communiqué, I hereby notify Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, disseminate, or take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents. The aforementioned prohibited actions also apply to employees, students, agents, and/or any staff under Facebook’s direction or control. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of my privacy is punishable by law (UCC 1 1-308-308 1-103 and the Rome Statute).
Facebook is now an open capital entity. All members are recommended to publish a notice like this, or if you prefer, then you may copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be allowing tacitly the use of elements such as your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.
This message suggests that publishing this text on our wall can invalidate the privacy policy we accepted when we signed up on Facebook. But let’s be clear, you can’t do that. It’s that simple. Publish such content on our wall only serve clutter our contacts timeline and cause confusion, which is surely what persecute those who are behind this action.
There is no way to override the privacy and copyright policies we accepted when we signed up on Facebook. We can only push for a change or delete our account from Facebook. If Facebook had launched a policy change in this regard, we should be informed by official channels for us to accept that change in a way similar to how Google did few months ago.
So I appeal to everyone to act more cautiously when disclosing and forwarding any sort of information, as it is increasing the amount of false information like hoaxes, urban legends, manipulated news, etc. that is discharged into the Internet, wich finds a powerful speaker in unsuspecting people with good intentions. Don’t be used to manipulate others.
Finally, I include some references for those who want to compare this information:
- https://www.xatakafoto.com/actualidad/el-nuevo-hoax-de-facebook-sobre-el-copyright-de-las-fotografias
- https://techland.time.com/2012/11/26/quit-posting-facebook-copyrightprivacy-messages-its-a-hoax/
- https://blogs.lainformacion.com/con-noticias-de-facebook/2012/11/26/es-solo-un-fake-facebook-no-tiene-derechos-sobre-los-contenidos-de-sus-usuarios/
- https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/06/05/facebook-privacy-notice-chain-letter-is-a-hoax/
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