Posting a "chain-mail-style" status update won't actually protect your privacy on Facebook

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- You may have noticed an increase in "chain-mail-style" status updates on Facebook lately -- with users posting a "protect my intellectual property" statement in an attempt to make Facebook gain "written consent" before taking a user's content. As it turns out, these Facebook posts don't actually work.

The latest attempt by Facebook users to copyright the material on their walls, photos and general posts involves the following post:

Today, (date) in response to the Facebook guidelines and under articles L.111, 112 and 113 of the code of intellectual property, I declare that my rights are attached to all my personal data, drawings, paintings, photos, texts etc… published on my profile. For commercial use of the foregoing my written consent is required at all times. Those reading this text can copy it and paste it on their Facebook wall. This will allow them to place themselves under the protection of copyright. By this release, I tell Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, broadcast, or to take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents. The actions mentioned above apply equally to employees, students, agents and/or other staff under the direction of Facebook. The contents of my profile includes private information. The violation of my privacy is punished by the law (UCC 1 1-308 – 308 1 – 103 and the Rome Statute). Facebook is now an open capital entity. All members are invited to post a notice of this kind, or if you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you have not published this statement at least once, you will tacitly allow the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile.


InsideFacebook.com says post if you wish -- but these status updates won't actually make your data and content off-limits.

Every few months, these "chain-mail-style" posts make the rounds on Facebok, but InsideFacebook.com says these posts do not in any way change your Facebook profile's level of protection.

CLICK HERE for tips on locking down your Facebook privacy.

InsideFacebook.com and AllFacebook.com are helpful sites if you're looking for tips on protecting your privacy on Facebook.