A familiar message claiming to block Facebook from using users’ photos and personal information is circulating again, but the post has no legal standing and does not change how the platform handles user data.
The message, often phrased as “I do not give Facebook permission to use my photos or personal information,” is a recurring internet hoax that resurfaces periodically, sometimes updated with references to artificial intelligence or new, nonexistent policies.
Despite its widespread sharing, posting the statement does nothing to alter a user’s agreement with Facebook’s parent company, Meta. Users already consent to the platform’s terms of service when they create an account and those terms cannot be overridden by a status update.
The post continues to gain traction largely due to fear and misinformation, particularly as concerns about data privacy and AI tools grow. Many users share it after seeing friends do the same, assuming it offers some form of protection.
Under Meta’s policies, the company is allowed to use content users upload in order to operate and improve its services, though users retain ownership of their content.
Instead of sharing viral posts, it is recommended to review privacy settings directly within the platform. Users can control who sees their posts, manage app permissions and delete old content through Facebook’s settings and privacy tools.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: PSA posting Facebook status about permission to use info does nothing
