A circulating Facebook post from July 2026 claimed that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, was implementing a new rule that would grant them rights to users’ photos and profile content. The post suggested that a lawyer had advised users to share a specific message to protect their data and mentioned that “60 Minutes” had reported on this change.
The text of the post read:
“Just in case… Everyone, stay safe. Big day tomorrow. It’s official. Signed at 6:00am. It was even on TV. Mine really turned blue. Don’t forget that tomorrow marks the start of the new Facebook rule (also known as Meta), which allows them to use your photos. Don’t forget the deadline is today!!!
According to the show 60 Minutes:
Just in case you missed it: a lawyer advised us to post this. The violation of privacy can be punished by law. NOTE: Facebook Meta is now a public entity. Every member must post a note like this. If you do not publish a statement at least once, it will be technically understood that you are allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR FACEBOOK OR META TO USE ANY OF MY PERSONAL DATA.
Hold your finger anywhere in this message and “copy” will appear. Click “copy. Then go to your page, create a new post, and place your finger anywhere in the empty field. “Paste” will appear, and click paste.
#tobesure
#tobesafe”
However, these claims are inaccurate. Meta did not enact any new rule giving them rights to users’ photos, nor was this matter discussed on “60 Minutes.” This type of warning is a recurring internet rumor, often referred to as “copypasta,” which involves users copying and pasting text to assert control over their data.
By signing up for Facebook, users already agreed to the platform’s terms of service and privacy policy. Copying and pasting a message onto one’s profile does not alter these existing agreements. Meta has previously addressed similar rumors, stating that such copy-and-paste messages have been circulating online since the early days of the internet. This particular rumor has appeared in various forms on Facebook multiple times over the years.
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