A few days ago, Facebook timelines were full of copyright notices. It was a cut and paste job – almost like a chain mail.

There were minor variations, but the theme was similar. An example: “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!”

Berner Convention? Those who had got curious about the new convention feverishly Googled it. And it turned out that there was one ‘Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works’ that dated back to 1886! This was a sure indication that the ‘notice’ was a hoax, but many ignored it and went on to post them in their timelines.

The ‘copyright’ posts gave an easy way out to readers who wanted to post similar ones. The users were encouraged to ‘copy and paste’ the notices. “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 If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements such as your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status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.”

What many users did not realise that whatever be their ‘copyright’ once their information was on Facebook, it was public property - it could be accessed and used by anyone. Unless the privacy settings are tightened.

Facebook got into the act and put a stop to it. “There is a rumour circulating that Facebook is making a change related to ownership of users’ information or the content they post to the site. This is false. Anyone who uses Facebook owns and controls the content and information they post, as stated in our terms. They control how that content and information is shared. That is our policy, and it always has been.”

>dinakaran.rengachary@gmail.com

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