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Johannesburg - Know what you're getting yourself into. This is the lesson learned by users of popular social network site Facebook after the company tried to change its terms of service agreement - without success.
"I think it's fairly common for people not to pay any attention to the terms of use and just click on the 'I agree' link or check the box and just go ahead. But, the terms of use are really important," said new media law specialist at Jacobson Attorneys, Paul Jacobson, in an interview on Fin24.com podcast Unzipped with Simon Dingle.
"You grant them a fairly broad licence to use the content, play with the content, manipulate the content, and change the content. They can exploit it commercially, use it in advertising campaigns or for any other things, whatever they may be."
The current terms indicate that Facebook's licence over content posted on the site will be terminated once a user cancels his or her account. The controversial terms made no mention of this and caused users to question the ownership of their content.
This led users to believe that their content can be used whenever and wherever regardless of whether they remain a member of the site or not. Other frustrating aspects include a broader definition of the term 'post' which includes Facebook's ability to have a license over the use of any link within the Facebook site.
"The Facebook terms of use debacle, was a really good illustration of the importance of being aware of the licenses contained in these terms of use. It impacts directly on your content, how the service can make use of your content and how other people can make use of your content," said Jacobson.
Although Facebook has returned to its previous terms of agreement it still has broad control over user's posted items. However Jacobson believes that the possible abuse of users' content is minimal.
"Facebook doesn't really seem to have the intention to misuse your content or sell your content. The terms of use just gives them the flexibility to do what they need to do to provide a service. If you take them at their word they're not going to misuse your content."
- Fin24.com