A report out this week from The Guardian newspaper reveals just what we’re all signing up for when we open social media accounts.
When you’re faced with a terms and conditions document 20 pages long and you’re at bullet point 56, it’s fair to say we’re all guilty of just hitting the agree button, but do you really know what you’re signing up to?
Here’s an insight:
Facebook:
Are you the next internet sensation? Facebook can access any of your public posts and sell them to others to do the same.
Your content can also be used in commercial, sponsored, or related content. Who knows, you could be the face of the next advertising campaign and be pasted on a billboard!
Changed your phone number? You have actually promised to update your phone number on Facebook within 48 hours of acquiring it.
Snapchat:
Big Brother is listening – did you know that whether it is your voice, video or the pictures you send, Snapchat has access to is all, and they can keep it forever – yes, forever!
Had a dispute with Snapchat? Disagreements must be resolved by the American Arbitration Association, unless you notified Snapchat in writing and within 30 days.
Instagram:
Instagram has access to your content and can sell your images and use them for anything, anywhere in the world. If your messages, information and content goes public, Instagram are not liable.
Instagram does not have to inform you that sponsored content is sponsored.
Whatsapp:
Your content is safe with them as they ensure all messages remain private. But if encryption laws change, this clause changes.
Whatsapp, owned by Facebook, has also caused debate by sharing data with the social network for ad targeting purposes.
Twitter:
Twitter does not endorse unpleasant tweets.
There’s no clause against heads of states causing diplomatic incidents with their tweets.
Now try and get your head around this one… “Twitter has an evolving set of rules for how ecosystem partners can interact with your Content on the Services. These rules exist to enable an open ecosystem with your rights in mind.”
YouTube:
Firstly, YouTube suggests you print off their terms and conditions and keep them (resourceful!)
If you have any disputes – they can be contacted via letter, the address is on the contract you printed and stored somewhere safe…
For more information visit –
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jan/05/telling-facebook-youve-changed-your-phone-number-the-weird-tcs-youve-unwittingly-signed-up-to