Many celebrities in both Hollywood and Bollywood are sharing a block of text that speaks about new Instagram ‘rules’ on photo usage. According to this Instagram post, the app will allow the pictures and messages of the users to be used against them in court cases. If users want to prevent that, they must repost the picture on their Insta-profile at least once saying that they do not give permission for their photo or information to be used.
It’s a type of message that often goes viral on Facebook, but this time, it went viral on Instagram and unexpectedly, celebrities like Rob Lowe, r’n’b star Usher, model Adriana Lima, singer Pink and actress Taraji P Henson fell for it. Some celebs including Julia Roberts have also deleted their post after realising it could be a hoax. Following the footstep of Hollywood stars, B-town actors including Radhika Apte, Hazel Keech and Kalki Koechlin also reposted the image.
The text claims that “the new Instagram rule where they can use your photos” is imminent and that private messages will become public.
However, Instagram has confirmed that there is no truth in the post. It’s just a hoax that’s often made viral by people who are afraid of their pictures getting used on Facebook. Stephanie Otway, brand communications manager at Instagram told WWD, “There’s no truth to this post.”
A fact-checking website Snopes reported in 2012 that Facebook and Instagram users cannot unilaterally opt out of any new privacy or copyright terms instituted by Facebook. At that time, Facebook had clarified that any user who uses Facebook and Instagram controls the information that needs to be shared.
As per Instagram’s policy, personal information is only looked at to filter the best for the users or if the content is abusive, then the photo-sharing takes action. The terms and conditions say, “We also have teams and systems that work to combat abuse and violations of our Terms and policies, as well as harmful and deceptive behavior. We use all the information we have-including your information-to try to keep our platform secure. We also may share information about misuse or harmful content with other Facebook Companies or law enforcement.”
To keep your Instagram pictures protected from strangers, you can always make your account private. With this, only the people you allow will see your updates.
To further control your information, you can block specific people, control your comment section from “comment controls” option.
Read the complete terms and conditions of Instagram here.
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