Instagram backs off, kind of
Published: 12/19/2012 2:35 PM
Last Modified: 12/19/2012 2:35 PM
After this week’s backlash, Instagram seems to be reconsidering a new policy that would let the company sell your photos, with or without your permission.
Facebook, Twitter and the whole blogging universe were in an uproar Tuesday, with my own contribution HERE.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that many users are confused and upset about what the changes mean,” Kevin Systrom, a co-founder of Instagram, wrote on his own blog. “I’m writing this today to let you know we’re listening and to commit to you that we will be doing more to answer your questions, fix any mistakes and eliminate the confusion.”
Does that sound like a promise to keep your photos private?
Sort of. Maybe. Not exactly.
Some industry analysts have dismissed the controversy as a simple misunderstanding, explaining that Instagram probably never really intended to sell photos for companies to use in their own advertisements.
More likely, Instagram might want to share photos with marketers to let them see what you’re doing, what you’re wearing and where you’re going. Then they can target advertising at you, analysts say.
Well, OK. As long as you’re just using my own personal photos to spy on me.
Written by
Michael Overall
Staff Writer
