Facebook Warning Hoax: Privacy and Copyright Warning Spreading In Facebook Is A Hoax

A Facebook warning message is spreading on the social networking site this past few days wherein users are encouraged to repost a message declaring that their copyright is attached to all the materials they post on Facebook in response to new Facebook guidelines.

Here is a copy of the said message:

“In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, comics, paintings, professional photos and videos, etc. (as a result of the Berner Convention).

For commercial use of the above my written consent is needed at all times! (Anyone reading this can copy this text and paste it on their Facebook Wall. This will place them under protection of copyright lawsBy the present communiqué, I 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 punished by law (UCC 1 1-308-308 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 1-308-308 end_of_the_skype_highlighting 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, you may copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile status updates…

However, the message was said to be a hoax. ABC News noted that there is no such thing as the “Berner Convention,” and Facebook does not own the materials posted on their website.

Facebook spokesman Andrew Noyes released the following statement:

“We have noticed some statements that suggest otherwise and we wanted to take a moment to remind you of the facts — when you post things like photos to Facebook, we do not own them. Under our terms (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms), you grant Facebook permission to use, distribute, and share the things you post, subject to the terms and applicable privacy settings.”

Meanwhile, privacy experts also said that posting such status message is totally worthless.

“Your Facebook data is governed by its Data Use Policy, and FB cooperates with law enforcement and government agencies. Simply posting a status update offers you no protection whatsoever,” Facecrooks, a popular “scam-watching” site reportedly said.

Despite these facts, the Facebook warning hoax continues to spread.