Instagram begins rollback on controversial policies

Instagram reassures users over terms of service after massive outcry London – Tom Rollins Image-sharing social media site Instagram looks set to roll back on controversial policy changes after widespread outcry on Tuesday. The changes would allow Instagram, now owned by Facebook after a $1 billion acquisition in April this year, to share users’ information and images with third parties allegedly in an attempt to “monetise” the social media service. A deadline set for January 16 gave users the opportunity to delete their accounts. They would be unable to opt out after this date.
"Our intention in updating the terms was to communicate that we'd like to experiment with innovative advertising that feels appropriate on Instagram," co-founder Kevin Systrom wrote in a blogpost on Tuesday.
"To be clear: it is not our intention to sell your photos,” he added. “We are working on updated language in the terms to make sure this is clear."
Systrom denied that his company would claim ownership rights over Instagram users’ images or privacy.
Instagram users, including professional photographers and celebrities, took to the Internet yesterday to condemn the changes. New York photographer Clayton Cubitt, who regularly posts images using the service, called the policy Instagram’s “suicide note.”