Fact Check: Meta is not changing Facebook privacy policy, viral message is false
Social media users are claiming that along with the name, Meta is altering Facebook privacy policy which would allow it to use images and other personal information
By Newsmeter Network Published on 18 Nov 2021 10:25 AM IST
Hyderabad: Social media users are claiming that along with the name, Meta is altering Facebook privacy policy which would allow it to use images and other personal information (including messages that have been deleted) of users.
The post further urges users to copy-paste a 'privacy notice' that states that the user does not consent to their data being used by the company as a preventative measure.
This comes after social media giant Facebook changed its name to 'Meta' as part of a rebrand meant to highlight the company's new focus on developing 'the metaverse'.
The message reads: "The new Facebook/Meta rule starts tomorrow where they can use your photos. Don't forget the deadline is today! This could be used in lawsuits against you. Everything you've ever posted is posted today ā even messages that have been deleted. It doesn't cost anything, just copy and post, better than regretting later."
NewsMeter received a request to fact-check the claim on our WhatsApp.
Similar viral claims can be viewed here.
Fact Check:
The claim is false.
NewsMeter verified Facebook's Data Policy page and found that it clearly states that the company has only changed its name and that there has been no change in the Facebook privacy policy.
"The Facebook Company is now Meta. While our company name is changing, we are continuing to offer the same products, including the Facebook app from Meta. Our Data Policy and Terms of Service remain in effect, and this name change does not affect how we use or share data. Learn more about Meta and our vision for the metaverse," reads the opening paragraph on the data policy page.
We also noticed that one of the sentences reads: "Under UCC Law Sections 1-207, 1-308ā¦ I am imposing my Reservation of Rights".
UCC refers to the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs all commercial transactions in the United States. This clearly indicates that the forward originated in the United States.
The team also found that Fox news declared the same viral post on Facebook's privacy policy false after speaking to an official from the company. "People can continue to control their privacy preferences using the many user-friendly self-serve tools we provide on Facebook, such as Privacy Checkup, and learn more about how we use and protect data in our Data Policy," the report mentioned.
The privacy message has been around Facebook for several years and has been revived over and again in different contexts. The claims are the same in all contexts- change in the Facebook privacy policy, but the reason cited differs in each case. They were first seen in 2012 and later popped up in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/
Hence, the claim is false. Meta has not changed their privacy policy.
