By the Way, A Simple Post Can't Stop Facebook Using Your Photos

Facebook is way bigger than all of us.

I realize that's the understatement of the day, but seriously, Facebook is in almost every corner of the world. Sure, probably Russia and North Korea don't have a lot of access to social media, but in almost every country across the globe, billions of people use Facebook. I bet old Tom from Myspace regrets selling that platform for only millions.

But one thing people worry about a lot, is what happens to their stuff once it's on Facebook? There are so many ways to get scammed online, or hacked into, that people have begun to pay a little bit more attention to their online footprint. And a lot of that begins when they post photos and content online.

Facebook can do whatever they want with your stuff.

You know why? You already gave them permission. Yes, left and right, people have been regurgitating this "copy and paste" that you've probably seen some version of. It goes kinda like this, as seen from News Center Maine:

Don’t forget tomorrow starts the new Facebook (aka...new name, META) rule where they can use your photos. Don't forget the Deadline is today!!! 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 information: The violation of privacy can be punished by law NOTE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this.

That ship has sailed...

Here's the thing... If you actively use Facebook, you've already agreed to their Terms of Service. Those terms pretty clearly spell out that they can use your stuff however they want for advertising, promotion, etc. If you can login to Facebook, you already agreed. And no, posting some random collection of words won't change that at all.

It's not a scam exactly, it's just someone who started a chain letter and has enjoyed watching how far it will go. By the way... some form of this has been going around for over a decade. It's nothing new. Not to mention, Facebook has a lot deeper pockets than you. You'll likely never win a lawsuit against them over a photo of your dog.

While it's great to think about how your stuff is used online, you'll only truly get out from under the legal thumb of Facebook by deleting your profile. Are you ready for that? We'll see...