Yesterday, Instagram had a little button pop up that stated the following:

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

If you were like most people, you probably didn’t click through and read the lengthy terms. But there are some key changes that you should know about.

The following Instagram changes will go into effect on January 16, 2013:

1. Instagram will be able to show you ads but may not disclose that they are doing so.
2. Instagram can use you and your friends as ads without your permission.
3. Instagram will be able to use your location and other data for ad targeting.
4. Instagram will be able to sell your photos.

Think I’m joking about that last one? Just read this paragraph that grants them the right to use your photos however they want to:

“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, available here: http://instagram.com/legal/privacy/.”

And to top this off, Instagram can use you in ads without the option for you to opt out. If you are used in advertisements, you have the right to be compensated. You have the the right to know what your name is being used for as an endorsement, and you have the right to opt out.

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

What can you do?

Flickr has the same features as Instagram, including the social sharing. It makes for a good alternative for anyone looking to head elsewhere.

The changes on Instagram are set to go into effect on January 16, 2013.  Hopefully, Instagram will come out with some clarification on their terms and privacy policy.