Facebook is no stranger to hoaxes or false statements about its privacy policies. The past few years have seen a variety of statuses from well-meaning users warning others to post a message on their profile to stop the social media giant from charging for the service or removing privacy rights. However, the latest such example has gained for more traction than normal and this has led to Facebook releasing a statement denying the claims.
The hoax message that has been circulating around the site reads: “Now it’s official! It has been published in the media. Facebook has just released the entry price: £5.99 to keep the subscription of your status to be set to “private”. If you paste this message on your page, it will be offered free (I said paste not share) if not tomorrow, all your posts can become public. Even the messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. After all, it does not cost anything for a simple copy and paste. (Not worth risking it!)“
In response, a Facebook spokesperson said that the company would never charge for access to its services and that it is always looking to ensure that its policies regarding the privacy of its users. Referencing the discovery that Mars once had flowing water on its surface, the spokesperson said: “While there may be water on Mars, don’t believe everything you read on the internet today. Facebook is free and it always will be. And the thing about copying and pasting a legal notice is just a hoax. Stay safe out there Earthlings.“
