About the Author: Dr. Darron Rodan John Ph.D. is an information technology management expert and lecturer.
The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of One News SVG.
By Dr. Darron John.
THAT FACEBOOK PRIVACY POST WILL NOT PROTECT YOU
Every few months/years, a familiar message begins circulating again on Facebook timelines across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean.
It usually begins with a dramatic warning: “Big day tomorrow. It’s official. Don’t forget that tomorrow marks the start of the new Facebook rule, also known as Meta, which allows them to use your photos. The deadline is today.”
The message then encourages users to copy and paste a declaration stating that they do not give Facebook or Meta permission to use their photographs or personal information.
Many people share the message with good intentions. They are genuinely concerned about their privacy and want to protect themselves, their families and the content they post online. Those concerns should not be dismissed. However, copying and pasting this statement will not protect your photographs, change Facebook’s policies or cancel the agreement you accepted when you created your account.
The message may sound official, but sounding official does not make something legally valid.
Different versions of this rumour have circulated for years. Some claim that a lawyer recommended posting the statement. Others say that the information was announced on television or that a new rule will take effect “tomorrow.” The wording changes, but the central claim remains the same, and it remains misleading.
When users create a Facebook account, they agree to the platform’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. A personal status update cannot override those terms or create a separate legal agreement between an individual user and Meta. In other words, posting “I do not give permission” does not cancel permissions already granted under the platform’s terms.
This is precisely why digital literacy is so important.
As a responsible technology advocate, I believe that digital literacy, not copying legally meaningless statements, is one of the most effective ways for citizens to protect themselves online. People should be encouraged to understand how social media platforms operate, how their information may be used, and what practical steps they can take to manage their privacy.
It is also important to make a distinction between ownership and permission. Users generally retain ownership of the original photographs and content they create. However, uploading content to Facebook gives the platform certain permissions to store, display, process and distribute that material as part of providing its services. A copied status cannot withdraw those permissions.
That does not mean people should ignore privacy concerns. On the contrary, privacy concerns are real and deserve serious attention.
This is especially important in a small society such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where photographs, screenshots and personal information can move quickly from Facebook to WhatsApp groups, other social-media platforms and private conversations. Once something has been copied, downloaded, forwarded or reposted, the original user may have very little control over where it goes.
The real danger is therefore not only what a technology company may do with our information. It is also what other users may do with the information we voluntarily share.
Instead of copying and pasting a false privacy declaration, Facebook users should take practical steps to protect themselves. Review your privacy settings. Limit the audience for personal posts. Check whether old photographs and status updates remain publicly visible. Be cautious about accepting friend requests from unfamiliar accounts. Avoid posting identification documents, banking information, travel details, home addresses or other sensitive personal information.
Users should also think carefully before sharing photographs of children, private family matters or information that may expose another person without their consent.
The repeated circulation of this false message reveals a wider challenge. Too many people are using digital platforms without fully understanding the agreements, risks and responsibilities involved. Technology has advanced rapidly, but public education about responsible technology use has not always kept pace.
We therefore need stronger digital-literacy education in our schools, workplaces, communities and public-awareness programmes. Citizens should know how to recognise misinformation, identify suspicious links, manage privacy settings, protect passwords and question dramatic online claims before sharing them.
Before forwarding a message, pause and ask: Who created it? Is there an official source? Has it been verified? Is it asking me to act immediately because of a supposed deadline? Misinformation often succeeds by creating fear and urgency.
The next time this Facebook privacy message appears on your timeline, there is no need to copy and paste it. Instead, use the opportunity to review your privacy settings and encourage others to do the same.
A Facebook status cannot replace Meta’s Terms of Service, and a viral message cannot substitute for informed decision-making.
Be alert, be informed and be cautious about what you share online.
By: Darron Rodan John,
Responsible Technology Advocate
END