That Facebook Copyright Status You’re Posting Doesn’t Actually Protect You From Anything

Just like in years past, there has been a recent influx of people updating their Facebook statuses with a very legal sounding status that supposedly protects users copyright and privacy rights. Only problem? It doesn't. It doesn't actually do anything except make you look like you have no idea what you're talking about. 

You may have seen a status like this pop up in your newsfeed in the last week or so:

Due to the fact that Facebook has chosen to involve software that will allow the theft of my personal information, I state: at this date of January 5, 2015, in response to the new guidelines of Facebook, pursuant to articles L.111, 112 and 113 of the code of intellectual property, I declare that my rights are attached to all my personal data drawings, paintings, photos, video, texts etc. published on my profile and my page. For commercial use of the foregoing my written consent is required at all times.

Those who read this text can do a copy/paste on their Facebook wall. This will allow them to place themselves under the protection of copyright. By this statement, I tell Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, broadcast, or take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and or its content. The actions mentioned above also apply to employees, students, agents and or other personnel under the direction of Facebook.

The content of my profile contains private information. The violation of my privacy is punishable by law (UCC 1-308 1-308 1-103 and the Rome Statute).

Facebook is now an open capital entity. All members are invited to publish a notice of this kind, or if they prefer, you can copy and paste this version.

If you have not published this statement at least once, you tacitly allow the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in the profile update.

Basically, the thought is that by posting the status, Facebook can't touch any of your personal information, photos, and other material, thus placing the user's information under the protection of 'copyright laws'. The problem is that Facebook doesn't own any of your media to begin with.

Facebook spokeman Andrew Noyes released the following statement on behalf of the social media giant:

We have noticed some statements that suggest otherwise and we wanted to take a moment to remind you of the facts -- when you post things like photos to Facebook, we do not own them. Under our terms, you grant Facebook permission to use, distribute, and share the things you post, subject to the terms and applicable privacy settings.

If you're still confused as to how Facebook law actually applies to you, our friends over at College Humor put together this incredibly helpful video that spells it out pretty clearly.

And if you still needed convincing, urban legend-busting site Snopes gives a detailed account of just how false the claim is.

Bottom line? Don't waste your time copy/pasting the status. It was a hoax before, and it still is.