Think posting a 'privacy statement' on Facebook will protect your data? Think again

WASHINGTON -- Have you seen an increase in the typical chain mail-esque style of Facebook posts today, with many users posting a "protect my intellectual property" statement in attempt to make Facebook gain "written consent" before taking user's content?

According to Insidefacebook.com, these posts won't do anything to make a user's data and content off-limits.

Posters appear to be attempting to copyright all the material on their walls, their photos and general posts. The popular post seen today reads:

Today, (date) in response to the Facebook guidelines and under 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, texts etc… published on my profile. For commercial use of the foregoing my written consent is required at all times. Those reading this text can copy it and paste it on their Facebook wall. This will allow them to place themselves under the protection of copyright. By this release, I tell Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, broadcast, or to take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents. The actions mentioned above apply equally to employees, students, agents and/or other staff under the direction of Facebook. The contents of my profile includes private information. The violation of my privacy is punished by the law (UCC 1 1-308 – 308 1 – 103 and the Rome Statute). Facebook is now an open capital entity. All members are invited to post a notice of this kind, or if you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you have not published this statement at least once, you will tacitly allow the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile.


Yet this posts does nothing to change what Facebook does with your data, insidefacebook.com reports.

"Posting a status update does not change how Facebook governs data," insidefacebook.com reports.

Instead, the site recommends you check here or here for better ways to protect your data.