Facebook withdraws changes in data use

The popular social networking site Facebook, which was under pressure from angry consumers, has reversed controversial changes to its contract with users that had appeared to give it ownership of users' contributions.

Facebook's retreat ended a three-day controversy after thousands of members joined groups devoted to protesting the new contract. In a message to members, the company said it would collaborate with users to create a more easily understandable document. The Electronic Privacy Information Center and 25 other consumer interest groups had planned to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

The New York Times said the complaint was going to allege that Facebook's new rules were unfair and deceptive trade practices, because the company has repeatedly promised users that they own their content, but appeared to be saying something else entirely in its revised terms of service.

"This was a digital rights grab," said Marc Rotenberg, the center's executive director. "Facebook was transferring control of user-generated content from the user to Facebook, and that was really alarming." 

Facebook officials called the whole affair a misunderstanding.

For more on Facebook:
- see this New York Times article

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