A Educational Presentation, on the Terms of Service of

Facebook.by Mark McLaine

Facebook Online Policy Primer

INTRODUCTION 

Facebook is a social networking site enjoyed by millions around the world. When joining Facebook users must agree to the (Terms of Service) provided by the company.    Many users may not be aware of the finer details of the terms, and what exactly they are signing up for.         This online presentation is designed to educate Facebook users, on the policy they have agreed to, and what it means for their personal content that they share online.    

PERSONAL CONTENT AND INFORMATION

• When posting personal photos and videos on facebook, you give them permission to use them however they wish, royalty-free.

• Even if you delete content, it can still be there in back up files.

•  Be particularly careful, when agreeing to add applications, as they too have access to your personal details.

•  Users can adjust their privacy settings to suit their needs, by choosing the 'everyone' setting, it means that people who aren't on facebook can get your information.

Privacy

• Facebook places a large amount of responsibility, onto its users, and how they choose their privacy settings.

• If users don't choose to block access to their profile, then they are leaving themselves open to anyone to see their information.

•  Facebook openly admits to sharing your information with third parties. This is because they believe it is in your best interests, as you can be better targeted by advertisers.

•  Users must be fully aware that everything they post on Facebook, is done so at their own risk.

COPYRIGHT

• Users cannot post images and videos that are copyright, and they do not have permission to publish.

 • This includes profile pictures

 • Users cannot open accounts under another person's name.

 • Users cannot use others personal information in a harmful

manner.

TERMINATION

• Users can have all or part of, Facebook terminated, if they fail to meet all the agreed requirements.

 • Reasons for termination can be for creating legal problems,

harassment of other users, creating spam or viruses, or gathering personal information illegally.

 •  In the case of termination, Facebook still has access to your

information, the same as if you cancel your account.  

CHILDREN

• Children under 13 years of age are not permitted to join Facebook.

 • Children aged between 13 and 18, can create an account,

but it's up to parents to ensure that they don't post personal information.

 • If a child under 13 creates an account, then Facebook will

try to delete their account straight away. •  Anyone who is a convicted sex offender cannot join

Facebook.

SAFETY

• Facebook cannot guarantee their users safety, although they try to. It's up to the Facebook community to help provide a safe interactive environment.

 •  Users cannot, post material that is hateful or pornographic.

Although this kind of material can be found throughout the Internet, Facebook needs to be considerate to all its users.

 •  You must not bully or be unlawful at all.

 • As Facebook accepts no responsibility for its user's actions,

it's up to individuals to set their own privacy settings to protect themselves, at the same time respecting the privacy of others.

FACEBOOK LIABILITY

• Although Facebook does its best to be safe and protect it users from harm, it accepts no legal responsibility, for any problems that may arise. this includes:

 •  Responsibility for any content, information, or data.

 •  Any damages caused by third parties

 •  Loss of profits

 • By agreeing to terms, as a user you must accept

responsibility for any damages that you receive or incur.

Country of Location

• The Internet presents a unique situation, as it crosses many boundaries, and countries which all have different laws and regulations. Facebook states that users must agree to have personal data, processed in the United States.

 • If users come from a country that has been embargoed by

the United States, then they cannot operate a platform application, or partake in advertising or payments.

Summary

Facebook users must be aware of their responsibilities and online behaviour. Any information that is posted online, from pictures, videos, comments or personal details are all available for use by facebook without any further consent. The best advice for users is to be aware of this, and to change privacy settings to suit their individual means. Be very careful when using applications, as they can also have access to your details. Don't post anything of value, that you don't wish to lose the rights to, and don't partake in any harmful, offensive or illegal practises.  

REFERENCES

Unknown (2009). Facebook, Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Retrieved October 20th 2009 from http://www.facebook.com/terms.php?ref=pf Unknown (2009). Facebook, Facebook Principles. Retrieved October 20th 2009 from http://www.facebook.com/principles.php Unknown (26th November 2008). Facebook, Facebook Principles. Retrieved October 20th 2009 from http://www.facebook.com/terms.php?ref=pf#/policy.php  Free Clipart of Magnifying Glass 01(2009) Public-Domain-Photos.com. Retrieved October 20th 2009 from   http://www.public-domain-photos.com/free-cliparts/tools/other/magnifying_glass_01-7360.htm