Don’t Fall For Fake Facebook Privacy Notice

A ‘privacy notice’ that’s been virally spreading on Facebook, supposedly protecting one’s personal details and data from unauthorized copying, is fake.

The notice started spreading a few days after Facebook posted its new privacy guidelines, announcing it would let users comment on proposed changes to its governing documents, but not vote.

The text of the notice starts as follows: “In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, graphics, comics, paintings, photos and videos, etc. (as a result of the Berner Convention). For commercial use of the above my written consent is needed at all times!”
It then goes on claiming that anyone can copy this text and paste it on their Facebook wall, which supposedly forbids Facebook to “disclose, copy, distribute, disseminate, or take any other action against [the user] on the basis of this profile and/or its contents.”
Finally, the notice points out that “Facebook is now an open capital entity.” and that all its members are “recommended to publish a notice like this.”

The notice resembles a text from July which also spread virally on Facebook and, just like that notice, the new one is untrue as well.

The idea behind the “notice” is that Facebook’s listing as a publicly traded company will negatively affect its users’ privacy, which is not true. Simply put, Facebook and its users are still bound to the same terms and conditions that are accepted by users when they sign up for the service, and posting a legal “talisman” of this kind on your profile does nothing to change that.

We’ve included the full text of the notice below.

In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, graphics, comics, paintings, photos and videos, etc. (as a result of the Berner Convention). 

For commercial use of the above my written consent is needed at all times!
(Anyone reading this can copy this text and paste it on their Facebook
Wall. This will place them under protection of copyright laws. 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. The aforementioned prohibited actions also apply to employees, students, agents and/or any staff under Facebook’s direction or control. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of my privacy is punished by law (UCC 1 1-308-308 1-103 and the Rome Statute). 

Facebook is now an open capital entity. All members are recommended to publish a notice like this, or if you prefer, you may copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile status updates…

New SkinnyScoop Social Media Platform Adds Conversation to Pinterest-Style Recommendations

New social media site SkinnyScoop aims to combine the goal setting and daydreaming agenda of Pinterest, and turn these dreams into a reality.
The site that was launched in San Francisco targets women, and specifically mothers to combine the eccentric nature of Pinterest with the reality of a one-on-one friendly conversation.

Women can create lists similar to Pinterest boards, but will also be able to contribute to discussions with other users as well as following their accounts. Once you have signed up via Facebook Login or with an email account, SkinnyScoop offers pre-sorted lists such as “TV Shows I Watch” and “My Favourite Chick Flicks”, as well as the option to create custom lists.

The premise is that women will take recommendations from their best friend or someone they are in regular contact with more seriously than random images found on the Internet.



CEO of SkinnyScoop, Eden Godsoe says: “SkinnyScoop takes the offline conversations between women that happen everywhere, everyday, and moves them online bringing value to both the tastemakers and the women they influence.”
“We rarely have time these days to read long articles or sift through email chains to figure out what book to read, app to download or gift to buy.”

Lists that are made can be shared across social networks with images being auto-populated. Godsoe sees most potential available for female bloggers who will be able to enclose their recommendations into a visual list on their personal site.

Godsoe says: “Pinterest is a great tool for housing what women are striving for – their dream vacation, perfectly decorated home or flawless bikini body.”
“Going beyond the inspirational, SkinnyScoop is more centred on what someone needs, wants or is interested in today . . . it uses structured data – which makes it more actionable, versus photos or images – to connect hundreds of thousands of women and identify what is trending, most useful or popular among their friends.”

The new start-up announced a $1 million  seed funding today.

What are your thoughts on SkinnyScoop? 

LinkedIn Now Allows Profile Edit On Mobile Phones

LinkedIn have now released an update to their mobile app which will allow users to edit their profile on the move.
The update to the iOS and Android app was one of the most requested features for users of LinkedIn and has now become available.

LinkedIn said in a blog post that: “Now you can update your profile with a new headline, add recent skills, or add a new position so your professional identity is always up to date.”
Enrichments to inMail and “Who’s viewed your profile” for premium members have been introduced due to the update to the iOS and Android app which also adds support for the iPhone 5.




LinkedIn recently updated the interface to debut an all new profile which highlights activity and displays information in a more visual style.

Have you been waiting for this update? How important do you think this is?