What is Instagram's new privacy policy? The viral hoax celebs are warning you about explained
22 August 2019, 09:30
The new August 2019 Instagram policy rule, which is going viral on social media, is actually fake.
A disturbing new Instagram policy rule for August is going viral on social media but, don't worry, it's a hoax.
It's no secret that fake news spreads across the internet like wildfire. In February, people were shocked to learn about Momo encouraging children to self-harm only to find out that many of the stories about her were fabricated. In July, rumours began to surface that Harry Styles had signed on to play Prince Eric in the Little Mermaid but they were false. And, just this month, Billie Eilish had to assure fans that a video of her farting on Instagram live was part of an elaborate prank.
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Now, a story about Instagram making everyone's private photos and messages public is scaring users.
Is Instagram's new privacy policy rule real or a hoax?
Yesterday (20 Aug), a fake post made its way from Facebook to nearly every major celebrity's Instagram page. The post is a written note hoax, which reads: "Don't forget tomorrow starts the new Instagram rule where they can use your photos. Don't forget Deadline today!!! It can be used in court cases in litigation against you. Everything you've posted becomes public from today. Even messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed."
Celebrities including the likes of Usher, Julianne Moore, Julia Roberts, Debra Messing and Taraji P Henson shared the post on their personal Instagram pages many of them encouraging their followers to "be safe". P!nk shared the image with the caption: "Better safe than sorry, even if it is a hoax. Sorry for whatever reason anyone would be offended by this. Have a nice day." Niall Horan shared it too writing: "Protection."
Countless celebs including Judd Apatow, Julianne Moore, Julia Roberts, Debra Messing, Taraji p Henson, Beyoncé’s mom, Wacka Flocka Flame and more have spread this hoax to millions and millions of fans pic.twitter.com/guc1X8F6WU
— Taylor Lorenz on VACATION (@TaylorLorenz) August 21, 2019
Speaking to WWD, Instagram brand communications manager, Stephanie Otway, confirmed: "There's no truth to this post." In other words, while it's always important to be wary of how you use social media, there's no new Instagram policy that you need to worry about right now.
