A   A   A

Posted: Wednesday, 19 December 2012 6:04AM

Instagram says no plans to put user photos in ads



SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Instagram, the popular photo-sharing service owned by Facebook Inc, said on Tuesday it has "no plans" to incorporate user photos into ads in response to a growing public outcry over new privacy policies unveiled this week.

Instagram Chief Executive Kevin Systrom said in a blog post that users had incorrectly interpreted Instagram's revised terms of service, released on Monday, to mean that user photos would be sold to others without compensation.

"This is not true and it is our mistake that this language is confusing," Systrom said. "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."

But Systrom said Instagram may display users' profile pictures and information about who they follow as part of an ad - a social marketing technique similar to what Facebook uses in its "sponsored stories" ad product.

He added that Instagram will not incorporate users' uploaded photos as ads because the service wants "to avoid things like advertising banners."

Instagram, which is free to use, triggered an uproar this week when it revised its terms of service in order to begin carrying advertising.

Facebook bought the fast-growing photo service - now with 100 million users - earlier this year in a cash-and-stock deal valued initially at $1 billion. The transaction closed in September at $715 million, reflecting a decline in the value of Facebook shares.

Story & Photos Copyright 2012 Reuters

House lawmakers reach deal to revamp immigration


Prospects for passage of a major immigration bill has improved.

House votes to repeal Obamacare for 37th time


The Republican-controlled U.S. House voted to repeal Obamacare in a symbolic move.

Judge to hear insanity defense in theater shooting case


The judge who will hear the murder case against accused James Holmes has agreed to hear arguments.

Boston bombing suspect wrote message in boat


Accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev left a handwritten message.

Tornadoes rip through Texas, killing six


At least six people were killed when tornadoes ripped through a stretch of Texas.

As scandals mount, White House springs into damage control


With no sign of an end to three scandals, the White House launched a concerted effort at damage control.

Tax chief forced out in IRS scandal


Steven Miller resigned as the acting head of the Internal Revenue Service.

White House releases Benghazi attack emails


The White House released 100 pages of emails detailing discussion about deadly attacks in Benghazi.

Holder sidesteps lawmakers' questions on AP records seizure


Lawmakers pounded Attorney General Eric Holder with questions.

Accused Cleveland kidnapper plans to plead not guilty


The man charged with holding three women captive and raping them will plead not guilty.

Once a beacon, Obama under fire over civil liberties


Barack Obama has faced accusation after accusation of impinging on civil liberties.

FBI opens criminal probe of IRS


The FBI has opened a criminal probe over the IRS's targeting of conservative political groups.

Attorney General Holder recused himself from AP subpoena


The Attorney General said that he recused himself from the decision to secretly seize telephone records of the Associated Press.

Lower DUI limit to 0.05% blood-alcohol level, NTSB says


The top transportation safety agency voted to recommend a lower blood alcohol limit for drivers.

Russia says CIA agent caught trying to recruit spy


Russia said it had caught an American red-handed as he tried to recruit a Russian intelligence officer.