Yesterday Instagram users around the world went a little nuts after the photo-sharing service updated its Terms of Service (ToS) agreement in a manner that suggested that Instagram would be allowed to sell user’s images or data to third parties without obtaining the user’s permission and without providing compensation.

Last night Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom published a clarifying statement regarding the ToS changes, following the online backlash which resulted in calls for users to delete their Instagram accounts.

With regards to advertising on Instagram Systrom said:

“Our intention in updating the terms was to communicate that we’d like to experiment with innovative advertising that feels appropriate on Instagram. Instead it was interpreted by many that we were going to sell your photos to others without any compensation. This is not true and it is our mistake that this language is confusing. To be clear: it is not our intention to sell your photos. We are working on updated language in the terms to make sure this is clear.”

On ownership of images:

“Instagram users own their content and Instagram does not claim any ownership rights over your photos. Nothing about this has changed. We respect that there are creative artists and hobbyists alike that pour their heart into creating beautiful photos, and we respect that your photos are your photos. Period.”

Systrom added that there have been no changes to privacy settings for the service, saying “One of the main reasons these documents don’t take effect immediately, but instead 30 days from now, is that we wanted to make sure you had an opportunity to raise any concerns. You’ve done that and are doing that, and that will help us provide the clarity you deserve.”

Source: The Guardian