Do you remember a few weeks back when Facebook was flooded with statuses claiming “copyrights” to users’ content? While this hoax was quickly debunked, it left many concerned about what social media can — and does — do with the stuff we put online. This week, Instagram fueled the fire when it announced its new terms of use, which allows the company to sell users’ photos and keep the profits. The announcement immediately drew opposition, and a day later, Instagram promised to “modify” some of the terms, which are expected to take effect January 16th. Whether these modifications will win back lost users remains to be seen.
The Government was also concerned with policies regulating online activity this week. Yesterday, the FTC announced new online child privacy laws, which are designed to keep anonymous advertisers and marketers from collecting information about children based on cellphone usage.
Technology and the Workplace
TV Meteorologist Fired After Defending Hairstyle on Facebook (AOL)
Missing Social Media Photos Spook Employers (Yahoo)
9 Things Businesses Should Not Do on Social Media (Forbes)
Facebook Fail? Bistro Fights Discrimination Accusations Online (Sacramento Press)
Are Online Degrees as Valuable as Traditional College Diplomas? (Yahoo)
Technology and the Law
Government Issues New Online Child Privacy Rules (CBS)
As Freaked-Out Social Media Users Exit, Instagram Says Newest Service Terms Will End “Confusion” (ABA Journal) (CNN)
US Census Will Offer Online Options (CBS)
Hackers Target Westboro Church After Newton Threats (CNET)
There’s an App for That
Windows 8’s Coolest App: Fresh Paint (CNN)
10 Tech Tips for Holiday Travel (CBS)
12 Apps You Need to Survive the Holidays (Mashable)
Holiday Stress? The Shrink is Always in Your iPad (Wired)