That Facebook Copyright Notice Is Worthless

That Facebook Copyright Notice Is Worthless


There’s a copyright notice people have been posting on Facebook over the past couple of days that is similar to a privacy notice that made the rounds several months ago. Before you copy and paste it on your own profile, stop. It’s bogus and unenforceable.

Here’s the full text of the waning post:

In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, graphics, comics, paintings, 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 laws. By 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 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 If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile status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…

Good thing you cited the Berner Convention. Now you’re definitely protected. But, reallym you signed up for Facebook and anything you post on Facebook is basically well, Facebook’s. You’ve agreed to the terms of service and have been asked to continually agree to them as they’ve changed and evolved. And if you don’t like it, don’t use Facebook. And definitely don’t fall for this “copyright notice”. [Mashable, Snopes]


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