Instagram updating policy after photo backlash

Instagram's new terms of service and privacy policy has triggered a backlash among social media users. The new intellectual property policy, which takes effect on January 16, comes three months after Facebook completed its acquisition of the popular photo-sharing site. Unless Instagram users delete their accounts before the January deadline, they cannot opt out.

Many Hollywood celebrities are outraged, one user tweeted: "Good bye #instagram. Your new terms of service are totally stupid and nonsense. Good luck playing with the big boys", while New York-based photographer Clayton Cubbit wrote on his account that the new policy was "Instagram's suicide note".

Instagram immediately responded to the confusion over new terms and policies apologising for the unclear message and promising updates and clarifications. Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom pointed out that:

- Instagram doesn't plan to sell user photos. He said the company is working on updated language to make that perfectly clear.

- He said language that indicated your photos could be used in advertisements will be removed from the terms completely.

"Our main goal is to avoid things likes advertising banners you see in other apps that would hurt the Instagram user experience, Systrom wrote. “Instead, we want to create meaningful ways to help you discover new and interesting accounts and content while building a self-sustaining business at the same time.”

It seems we’re safe for now J.