Instagram users today have probably seen a notice at the top of the news feed, says Huffington Post.

This notice states:

“We’re making some improvements and updating our Privacy Policy & Terms of Service. Read more about our changes.”

It leads to a wordy explanation of changes concerning its new collaboration with Facebook. It apparently means they are aiming for a better user experience.

As of January 16, 2013, it boils down to five things you need to know.

1. Your data will be used for ads.

The Social Times suggests you:

“Get ready for some ads starring your friends and you.”

As the TOS puts it:

“Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.”

2. Ads may not be marked clearly.

You might not know what’s an ad and what isn’t. Even though Facebook subscribes to the idea of clearly marking advertisements, Instagram states:

“You acknowledge that we may not always identify paid services, sponsored content, or commercial communications as such.”

3. Instagram can use your photos.

You may own your photos, but Instagram has the right to use them anyway.

“Instagram does not claim ownership of any Content that you post on or through the Service. Instead, you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to use the Content that you post on or through the Service, except that you can control who can view certain of your Content and activities on the Service as described in the Service’s Privacy Policy.”

4. Be aware of your responsibility when you post new photos.

Instagram is not responsible for what you post; you are. Of course, that’s been the way all social networking sites have been for years.

“You agree that Instagram is not responsible for, and does not endorse, Content posted within the Service. Instagram does not have any obligation to prescreen, monitor, edit, or remove any Content. If your Content violates these Terms of Use, you may bear legal responsibility for that Content.”

5. Backup your photos.

Your photos might not always be there after you post them.

“Instagram is not a backup service and you agree that you will not rely on the Service for the purposes of Content backup or storage. Instagram will not be liable to you for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Services, or the loss of any Content.”

You can read Instagram’s full Terms of Use here.

Instagram Posts New Terms Of Service is a post from: The Inquisitr