Facebook 'Copyright Notice' Is a Hoax

Odds are, you'll soon see one or more posts like the following flit by in your Facebook news feed, if you haven't already:

In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, comics, paintings, professional 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 communique, 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 If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile status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.

All of which, it's my duty to report, is false. Copying this (or any) legalese to your Facebook wall does not supersede or negate the terms of service you agreed to upon becoming a member — which already stipulate that you own the content you post, but also that Facebook can use and distribute said content subject to applicable privacy settings.

If you feel you must make a statement, consider sharing this instead.

Learn more:
• "New Facebook Guidelines" Chain Letter About Copyright Laws Still a Hoax
• Facebook Debunks Copyright Hoax
• Facebook Privacy Chain Letter Is a Hoax
• Facebook Terms of Use
• Copyright Meme Spreading on Facebook
• Misinformation on Facebook Privacy Settings
• Facebook Rumors & Hoaxes