Instagram denied a viral post claiming that social platform changed its privacy policy. The hoax, which has already been shared by several celebrities, is asking users to share it again to stop Instagram from using its users' content, as well as deleted messages.
"This post is not true," Facebook spokeswoman Stephanie Otway told CBS News.
The prank, which is full of typographical errors, has already fooled US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, Rob Lowe, Melissa Joan Hart and Usher and possibly many others.
The hoax states:
"Do not forget that tomorrow the new Instagram regulation that allows them to use your photos starts. Do not forget the Deadline !!! ”
"Everything you have posted will be made public from today, even deleted messages or photos are not allowed," he falsely claims.
"A simple copy and paste costs nothing."
US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry shared the hoax on his Instagram page, but later deleted it.
In an effort to appear credible, the scam cites a "News Channel 13" that revealed changes to Instagram policy, and also cites "UCC 1-308-11 308-103" law and "Rome Statute" .
UCC 1-308-11 308-103 seems to refer to a single commercial law, while the Rome Statute is the treaty established by the International Criminal Court, which investigates and prosecutes crimes such as genocide or other war crimes. So it can't protect you from a supposed change in Instagram policy.
This type of prank often appears in slightly different versions. Many times we have seen it widely circulated in Facebook.
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