Don’t Be Fooled, Facebook Privacy Hoax is Again Making the Rounds

By now, you must have come across the copyright and privacy notices that have been making rounds on Facebook (NASDAQ:FB). If you haven’t, then you probably have intelligent friends that are not easily fooled.

The dreaded paragraph-long Facebook privacy hoax is not entirely new as some have been circulating on the social media site for years now.  The language may be slightly tweaked, but the message still remains the same.

There’s absolutely no substance to them. There’s also no basis in law that posting such a status message would override Facebook’s terms and conditions.

Two Versions of the Facebook Privacy Hoax

The exact hoax status reads:

“Deadline tomorrow!!! Everything you’ve ever posted becomes public from tomorrow. Even messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. It costs nothing for a simple copy and paste, better safe than sorry. Channel 13 News talked about the change in Facebook’s privacy policy. I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, messages or posts, both past and future. With 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 If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates.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. Copy and paste.”

Another version that omits reference to Channel 13 reads:

“Better to be safe than sorry. An attorney advised to post this. Good enough for me. 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 If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tacitly understood that you are allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates. I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION. My posts are for my benefit and friends and family. If you prefer, you can copy and paste.”

The hoax copyright-related posts have been around since November 2012. Small business owners and brands using Facebook to promote their product or service should not be fooled — particularly those who worry their intellectual property might be compromised.

Image: Facebook