It seems like every few weeks a new message pops up on popular social media platforms telling users that there is a new change coming and they can “opt-out” by reposting a specific message. Users copy, paste, and repeat. Hoping to protect their privacy, intellectual property, or even avoid a fee by opting out.
Does posting a message on social media to opt out work?
The short answer, no.
Why don't opt-out posts work?
Social media platforms provide a service and allow users to create profiles to share with the world. As the creator of the platform, they largely get to decide how the platform functions. While they do have to comply with certain data privacy rules, accommodations, and make certain disclosures, they don’t have to accept an opt-out through a public post on their platform. Likewise, they don’t have to provide the platform to you at all. Although a platform may be a “de facto” town square – that doesn’t mean they have to provide everyone a megaphone.
Is there another way to opt out?
While websites and social media platforms don’t have to grant you access, they do have to disclose the rules that govern the use of their website and the use of the data collected while you use the website. What you are looking for is typically referred to as the “terms of use” or “terms of service” and “privacy policy”. Large platforms have extensive disclosures. Often, they will tell you what you can opt-out of and how to do so. You can typically opt out of solicitations, targeted ads, appearing in google searches, other data sharing, or using certain functions provided on the platform. There are many things you cannot opt out of, unless you are willing to delete your profile and stop using the platform.
Why cant I opt out of all data storage and still use the platform?
Let me flip that question on you – how could the platform function as a social media platform if they did not store your data? Think about it. If they didn’t store your name, email, and password – how could they protect your data from others or allow you to access and control your profile? If they didn’t store and have the authority to share your photos – how would others see them?
Can I Opt out of certain things?
You can opt out of certain functions or uses of your data by following the platforms procedures. Learn how by reading the terms and privacy policy, or ask google. Platforms often have a tab for privacy settings and make it easy.
If you find terms or a privacy policy that allow you to opt out by posting on the platform – please let me know.
– Post by:
Derek A. Colvin, Franchise Lawyer
