Never make a legal threat that's without teeth!

Beware of the latest false security bandwagon on Facebook!

I so totally want to protect you from this latest Urban Legend that’s racing through Facebook like a crazy and deprived dieter at a Fourth of July BBQ.

You might have seen this already or maybe even posted it yourself with a bit of satisfaction (No judgement here! I get it.) It’s tough sounding legalese that threatens anybody relating to any government that if they share or take action against any information you may share on Facebook that vague, scary legal stuff is going to happen.

Oh Honey…

The things I want to tell you!!

1. The moment you opened your Facebook account you agreed to their (ever-changing) terms of service. They’re the 800 lb gorilla with your information and you’re amazingly svelte and sassy, but sadly outclassed in the legal weight department here. Even large foreign governments have a hard time getting their way with Facebook.
2. Facebook’s terms give them carte blanche with your images and publicly shared info. You can restrict your privacy settings per status update or in general, but that doesn’t guarantee anybody won’t share it “for” you. As somebody who has dug deep into Facebook security issues for years now, and is authoring Online Reputation Management for Dummies (publishes in September 2012!), I promise that

The only way you can protect yourself is to refrain from sharing your sensitive info or images online!

What’s the harm in posting this on your profile? It leads to a false sense of security, which might cause you to tell the world more than you intended to share because you have that scary sounding legal threat, after all.

I want you to have the safest, most enjoyable and rewarding experience online. Please don’t take this legal jargon seriously. It protects you and me about as much as posting your online banking logon with a “keep out!” note.

Do you worry about getting “burned” online? Please scroll down to the comments section below and share!

Here’s the tough sounding talk: 

PRIVACY NOTICE: Warning – any person and/or institution and/or Agent and/or Agency of any governmental structure including but not limited to the United States Federal Government also using or monitoring/using this website or any of its associated websites, you do NOT have my permission to utilize any of my profile information nor any of the content contained herein including, but not limited to my photos, and/or the comments made about my photos or any other “picture” art posted on my profile.

You are hereby notified that you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, copying, distributing, disseminating, or taking any other action against me with regard to this profile and the contents herein. The foregoing prohibitions also apply to your employee , agent , student or any personnel under your direction or control.

The contents of this profile are private and legally privileged and confidential information, and the violation of my personal privacy is punishable by law. UCC 1-103 1-308 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WITHOUT PREJUDICE… 

Blah, blah, blah…

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