5 Things You Should Know About Instagram’s New Policies

Chances are you’ve used Instagram today and saw a little bubble pop up above the news feed reading: “We’re making some improvements and updating our Privacy Policy & Terms of Service. Read more about our changes.”

Unless reading fine print is a hobby, you probably didn’t read their lengthy explanation. In an effort to save you time, Vixen has highlighted (and translated) what you should know about IG’s new policies going into effect January 16, 2013.

1. Your data will contribute to advertising: Ads on a social media site are old news, but now you and your girlfriends could be starring in one. As part of IG’s new terms, your data and photos could be used for targeting purposes and/or endorse promotions. The fine print reads:

“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.”

2. Ads won’t be clearly marked: Those Instagram execs sure are sneaky! Once advertisements are initiated, you could mistake one for an ordinary photo.

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

3. You are responsible for the content you post: Much like downloading music illegally, posting a copyrighted photo to your account has the potential to land you in hot water with higher-ups. Instagram won’t back you up, so beware!

You agree that Instagram is not responsible for, and does not endorse, Content posted within the Service. Instagram does not have any obligation to prescreen, monitor, edit, or remove any Content. If your Content violates these Terms of Use, you may bear legal responsibility for that Content.

Read the full story here.