Hoax claims that Instagram can use your photos and deleted messages

You may have noticed a post circulating around Instagram that basically claims Instagram is implementing a new rule where they can use your past and current photos, information, and even messages. The post claims that Instagram will be able to use the information “in court cases in litigation against you” and that Instagram can use your information including images and messages you previously deleted.

The posts being shared across the popular social network claim that if you copy and paste the content or share an image of the content on your Instagram profile you will lawfully be exempt to Instagram’s new rules.

This is a common hoax that has been around for many years (here’s a similar version from 2016) the only difference is how the post is constructed. The purpose of this hoax is to trick people into sharing false information acorss Instagram; possibly for entertainment purposes. Although some may find the hoax humorous, no one truly benefits when false information is shared on the web.

Here’s a transcript from the misleading Instagram post:

Don’t forget tomorrow starts the new Instagram rule where they can use your photos. Don’t forget Deadline today!!! It can be used in court cases in litigation against you. Everything you’ve ever posted becomes public from today Even messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. It costs nothing for a simple copy and paste, better safe than sorry. Channel 13 News talked about the change in Instagram’s privacy policy. I do not give Instagram or any entities associated with Instagram permission to use my pictures, information, messages or posts, both past and future. With this statement, I give notice to Instagram it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308-11 308-103 and Rome Statute. NOTE: Instagram is now a public entity. All members must opst a note like this. If you prefer, you can copy and pate this version. If you do not publish a statement atleast once it will be tacitly allowing the use of your profile status updates. Instagram DOES NOT HAVE MY PERMISSION TO SHARE PHOTOS OR MESSAGES

As you can see, the post is poorly written and has no legal ground so avoid sharing if you can resist. And just so we’re clear, an Instagram post is not a legal document.