Facebook to own all content after users quit

Facebook’s new terms of service allow the site to use all user content – even after users delete their accounts.

The Terms of Service changed Feb. 4, but blogs began buzzing today after The Consumerist published “Facebook’s New Terms of Service: ‘We Can Do Anything We Want With Your Content. Forever.’”

The social networking site recently removed a few lines that had previously allowed users to delete content, taking back Facebook’s ownership of that content.

According to The Consumerist, the lines previously read, “You may remove your User Content from the Site at any time. If you choose to remove your User Content, the license granted above will automatically expire, however you acknowledge that the Company may retain archived copies of your User Content.”

Without those lines, Facebook now owns the rights to all user content, names and photos. The terms of service state Facebook has permission “to use your name, likeness and image for any purpose, including commercial or advertising, ... on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof. You represent and warrant that you have all rights and permissions to grant the foregoing licenses,” according to Facebook.

The Web site’s blog was updated Feb. 4 to notify users it was adjusting its terms of use.

“We’ve also simplified and clarified a lot of information that applies to you,” wrote Suzie White, Facebook’s corporate counsel for commercial transactions. “As always, protecting your privacy and information is of the utmost importance to us, and these updates provide you with the same level of protection you have come to expect from Facebook.”

See Tuesday’s Indiana Daily Student for more information.