Facebook is one of the most popular social media networks available for free on personal computers, mobiles and tablets. It allows users to upload and share photos, videos, and information on their personal profile wall and features instant messaging, groups, games and entertainment. Users must agree to Facebook's terms of service which include rules around privacy, content, safety and copyright. The terms also allow Facebook to use any user-generated content and collect and sell vast amounts of user data to tailor advertising.

1. FACEBOOK
Policy Primer

2. Facebook – What is it?
One of the most popular social media
networks
 Available free of charge
 Accessible on personal computers,
mobiles and tablets
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3. Key Features
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Upload, share and comment on photos and
videos
Personal space to share information – ‘Wall’
Instant messaging
Ability to create, join and manage groups
Online gaming and entertainment
News Feed

4. Terms of Service
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Facebook’s Terms of Service (ToS) comprises
of rules relating to:
 privacy
 content
 safety
 copyright
 liability
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Users must agree with ToS to create and use
account

5. Restrictions
Users must be 13 years of age or over to
create a Facebook account
 Convicted sex offenders are prohibited
from creating and using Facebook
accounts
 Facebook requires parental supervision
for user aged between 13 and 18
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6. Safety
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“We do our best to keep Facebook safe, but we
cannot guarantee it” (Facebook 2013)
Facebook prohibits spam, uploading viruses,
pyramid schemes, bullying or harassing others,
hate speech, criminal intent
Facebook provides users with options to change
user privacy settings

7. Copyright
“We respect other people’s rights, and
expect you to do the same” (Facebook
2013)
 Facebook protects copyrighted material
and prohibits users from posting violating
content
 But how do they treat user’s content?
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8. Control
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“you grant us a non-exclusive, transferable, sublicensable, royalty-free licence to use any IP
content you post” (Facebook 2013)
Facebook takes ownership of any user content
posted and can share it with third party
companies
Facebook retains a copy of user content for
“reasonable period of time” (Facebook 2013)

9. Data Use
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Facebook collects and sells vast amounts of
data that is based on user’s input
“We only provide data to our advertising
partners” (Facebook 2013)
“We receive data from computer, mobile phone
or other devices you use to access Facebook”
(Facebook 2013)
“We receive data whenever you visit a game,
application or website” (Facebook 2013)

10. Data Use
Facebook actively applies algorithms to
tailor content that is presented in the form
of customised ads
 “We may put together your current city
with GPS and other location information
we have about you” (Facebook 2013)
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11. Things to Remember
Read Terms of Service
 Never share your password
 Set privacy setting suitable to your needs
 Facebook can use anything you post
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12. References
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Facebook (2013) Statement of Rights and
Responsibilities. Retrieved from
https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms
Facebook (2013) Data Use Policy. Retrieved from
https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy
Facebook (2013) Privacy. Retrieved from
https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=privacy
Facebook (2013) Advertising on Facebook. Retrieved
from https://www.facebook.com/about/ads/
Facebook (2013) Facebook Principles. Retrieved from
https://www.facebook.com/principles.php