Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter
Well, this frequently recurring hoax is making the rounds on Facebook yet again.
Like most Facebook hoaxes, this one should be easy to recognize as such, but for whatever reason it’s being shared all over the place once again.
The actual wording of the hoax varies a bit, but it basically says Facebook is going to make all of your posts, comments, photos and messages public unless you copy and paste the fake scam warning to your Timeline.
Here is the text of the most popular version of the scam:
“All your posts can become public tomorrow . Even the messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed.
Better safe than sorry is right. Channel 13 News was just talking about this change in Facebook’s privacy policy. I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, or posts, both past and future. By 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 content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308- 1 1 308-103 and the Rome Statute).
NOTE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates. DO NOT SHARE. You MUST copy and paste.”
Of course it’s all just a big hoax. Facebook isn’t going to make all of your private info public. If they did they’d immediately be subpoenaed to testify before Congress and potentially face calls for government regulation.
What’s more, the next time Facebook does decide to change their policies concerning user privacy (which they actually do on occasion), you won’t be able to “opt out” of the change simply by pasting a block of text onto your Timeline. It simply doesn’t work that way.
Bottom line: You can rest assured that your private Facebook postings, photos and messages will still be private tomorrow.
Of course the level of that privacy will depend on how you have your privacy settings set, but Facebook isn’t going to change them without your knowledge or consent unless it’s due to some massive glitch (which knowing Facebook, is always possible).