The nation's supply of old-timey pictures of whatever it is you're eating may take a serious hit if Instagram users make good on their threats to leave the the photo-sharing service following its new privacy policy.
"We know these documents are a little dry, but theyre very important," reads Instagram's opening salvo. "Please take a moment to read through them so you keep feeling comfortable sharing your beautiful photos on Instagram."
Good luck with that.
Privacy advocates and user are interpreting the dense legalese of the new policy, which goes into effect on Jan. 16, as permission for Instagram to use all publicly shared images like its stockpile of stock photos, farming out your bathroom mirror self portraits, or whatever, to advertisers willing to pay. (Pay Facebook via Instagram not pay you and/or the photographer.)
"Really, Instagram? Purchased for $1B in inflated FB stock and you're going to start selling members' pictures? Street Artists best leave now," read one tweet of warning, as #BoycottInstagram began trending on Twitter.
"I came late to Instagram, but I will leave early," noted another.
For what it's worth, Instagram isn't claiming it owns your "Content" (with a capital "C"). It's just apparently going to sell it like it does. As the new user agreement reads:
You have the option of deleting your account by Jan. 16, says the new agreement. After that, it's a done deal, you have no way to opt out. Further, photos you posted prior to Jan. 16 are eligible for licensing by Instagram for an amount of time not specified in the new privacy policy.
If you do choose to stay, you may also be agreeing not to hold Instagram liable if it makes a whoopsie and exposes what you marked as private content, a mishap that's happened over at Facebook over the years. According to the new policy, "None of your Content will be subject to any obligation of confidence on the part of Instagram, and Instagram will not be liable for any use or disclosure of any Content you provide."
Whether the Internet outrage actually does encourage an exodus from Instagram is doubtful, considering how many users never follow through on their threats to leave its owner, Facebook.
As one Twitter user puts it, "I wish I had the strength to leave Instagram ... but I can't do it. No matter how badly it treats me."
Then again, at least some are seeing the bright side of staying: "I can understand why some people won't leave Instagram. Imagine the thrill of seeing your sandwich on somebody's billboard!"
Instagram angers users with new privacy policy - Technology on NBCNews.com
"We know these documents are a little dry, but theyre very important," reads Instagram's opening salvo. "Please take a moment to read through them so you keep feeling comfortable sharing your beautiful photos on Instagram."
Good luck with that.
Privacy advocates and user are interpreting the dense legalese of the new policy, which goes into effect on Jan. 16, as permission for Instagram to use all publicly shared images like its stockpile of stock photos, farming out your bathroom mirror self portraits, or whatever, to advertisers willing to pay. (Pay Facebook via Instagram not pay you and/or the photographer.)
"Really, Instagram? Purchased for $1B in inflated FB stock and you're going to start selling members' pictures? Street Artists best leave now," read one tweet of warning, as #BoycottInstagram began trending on Twitter.
"I came late to Instagram, but I will leave early," noted another.
For what it's worth, Instagram isn't claiming it owns your "Content" (with a capital "C"). It's just apparently going to sell it like it does. As the new user agreement reads:
You have the option of deleting your account by Jan. 16, says the new agreement. After that, it's a done deal, you have no way to opt out. Further, photos you posted prior to Jan. 16 are eligible for licensing by Instagram for an amount of time not specified in the new privacy policy.
If you do choose to stay, you may also be agreeing not to hold Instagram liable if it makes a whoopsie and exposes what you marked as private content, a mishap that's happened over at Facebook over the years. According to the new policy, "None of your Content will be subject to any obligation of confidence on the part of Instagram, and Instagram will not be liable for any use or disclosure of any Content you provide."
Whether the Internet outrage actually does encourage an exodus from Instagram is doubtful, considering how many users never follow through on their threats to leave its owner, Facebook.
As one Twitter user puts it, "I wish I had the strength to leave Instagram ... but I can't do it. No matter how badly it treats me."
Then again, at least some are seeing the bright side of staying: "I can understand why some people won't leave Instagram. Imagine the thrill of seeing your sandwich on somebody's billboard!"
Instagram angers users with new privacy policy - Technology on NBCNews.com
