Internet backlash sends Instagram back to drawing board

Following outrage from some segments of the Internet over new language in Instagram's updated Terms of Service, the Facebook-owned photo sharing service has issued a response aimed at clarifying its new terms. In a blog post, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom sought today to assuage user concerns over the possibility that their photos might be sold by Instagram without their permission. The company, according to Systrom, is working on updated language to clarify its terms.

Systrom's post states that "it is not [Instagram's] intention to sell your photos," saying that the company envisions "a future where both users and brands alike may promote their photos & accounts to increase engagement and to build a more meaningful following."

As to whether Instagram plans to allow for user photos to be featured in advertisements, Systrom said "we do not have plans for anything like this and because of that we're going to remove the language that raised the issue."

Systrom also reiterated that Instagram claims no ownership rights over photos, saying that the company always wants users to feel comfortable sharing their photos. The previous language did not claim ownership of the photos, but did give Instagram the right to use the photos in any manner it wished, including advertising purposes, without any compensation or recognition to the source. Despite Systrom's post, no changes to that particular tenet of the agreement has yet been made.

By Electronista Staff

Post tools:

TAGS :  

industry, digital imaging, Facebook, Instagram