Facebook’s change in their Terms of Service (TOS) was so ill-received that they have created a pop-up window begging people not to delete their Facebook account. They are claiming to return to the old TOS soon.
The message reads, "Are you deleting because you are concerned about Facebook’s Terms of Service? This was a mistake that we have now corrected. You own the information you put on Facebook and you control what happens to it. We are sorry for the confusion."
The Facebook TOS change in question stated that all material posted on Facebook--blog entries, posted notes, Twitter updates, et al--belonged to Facebook. It spurred a viral outlash, with bloggers encouraging their readers to boycott the social networking site.
Now how’s that for "social" communication?
Viral Online Protests
Facebook Reverses its TOS After Viral Backlash, Begs Users to Stay
Trend Themes
1. Online Privacy Backlash - The Facebook TOS change resulted in an online privacy backlash leading to a massive boycott and a call for transparency and control of user data.
2. Viral Online Outrage - The viral outrage on social media platforms have become an effective tool for consumers to hold companies accountable.
3. Social Media Customer Activism - Social media customer activism is a growing trend that businesses must address proactively.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Social media companies must prioritize user privacy and transparency to avoid TOS controversies similar to Facebook's.
2. Digital Marketing - Digital marketers must understand the importance of customer privacy and data protection to avoid backlash from consumers.
3. Technology - The technology industry must continuously invest in new user privacy protection solutions in the era of increasing privacy concerns and data breaches.