When Facebook acquired the popular photo-sharing app Instagram a few months back for $1 billion, many argued the deal didn’t make sense because they were buying a company that essentially made no money. Well, it looks like the new terms of use aim to solve that problem at the expense of the users.
The new terms of use state that, “you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.” Instagram plans on selling your photos to businesses to use in ads without compensating you in any way.
Some of you may say, “well what about underage users?” Instagram has that covered too. The updated terms of use state that, “If you are under the age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed to this provision (and the use of your name, likeness, username, and/or photos (along with any associated metadata)) on your behalf.”
So what can you do to prevent them from taking your photos and selling them? You have to delete your account. Bad move, Instagram. We will see how this plays out, but I don’t see it being a positive move for the company. I suggest switching to other apps such as Razzi.me if you’re looking for a healthy alternative for mobile photo sharing
The full updated terms of use go into effect on January 16, 2013 and can be found here.
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