Instagram Updating Photo Policy After Public Outcry

After scores of angry users complained about changes to the photo sharing app’s terms of service, Instagram will be updating its privacy policy to clarify some misleading language, according to USA Today.

The terms that were posted on the website yesterday said in part that “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.”

That change would have even applied to users under the age of 18. Regular users and celebrities were outraged by the change, which could have led to people who don’t even use the service having their pictures used in ads without their permission.

Instagram apparently listened to its frustrated users, because they quickly took to their website to try and assure people that their photos were not going to be sold without reimbursement. Co-founder Kevin Systrom said a newer update would take effect in 30 days.

“Our intention in updating the terms was to communicate that we’d like to experiment with innovative advertising that feels appropriate on Instagram,” Systrom said. “Instead it was interpreted by many that we were going to sell your photos to others without any compensation. This is not true and it is our mistake that this language is confusing.”

Currently, the only way to prevent Instagram from using your photos is to delete your account. There is no opt-in or opt-out option. Users can still control who can view their pictures and what photos are posted and deleted, but it appears the damage has already been done.

Will you stop using Instagram now that they’ve changed their terms of service?