Facebook has officially responded to a false copyright meme spreading across the social network which has been re-posted by millions of users in recent days.
It should be noted that the viral copyright notice first hit Facebook back in May and June before it was ultimately debunked. Now the meme is back with a digital vengeance – generating lots of attention and clicks from the misinformed masses.
“In response to the new Facebook guidelines, I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details contained in my personal and business profiles, including, but not limited to: all postings, status updates, comments, illustrations, paintings, drawings, art, photographs, music, videos, etc. as per the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, (a/k/a the Berne Convention),” reads the fake meme.
“For commercial use of any of the above, my written consent is required in each instance and at all times. 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.”
Facebook’s official “fact check” response?
“There is a rumor circulating that Facebook is making a change related to ownership of users’ information or the content they post to the site. This is false,” reads the statement. “Anyone who uses Facebook owns and controls the content and information they post, as stated in our terms. They control how that content and information is shared. That is our policy, and it always has been.”
Of course, by agreeing to the network’s terms of service, users grant Facebook the right to use, distribute and share posted items. Meaning, the status quo can’t be altered by simply copying and pasting a status update.
