Instagram is implementing new terms of service. Somehow, those terms got blown out of proportion, were misconstrued by the media, and are causing some people to boycott the app altogether. It’s time, my friends, to clarify this situation. The media has a way of blowing this way out of whack, and that’s not a good thing. You should always take matters into your own hands and find out the truth, but if that’s not possible you can just keep reading the articles on this site.

The answers to some popular Instagram privacy questions are printed below.

Will Instagram Sell My Photos?

The answer here is a simple: no. Instagram is not going to start selling user photos. Not at all. Instagram was going to implement an advertising system that would have benefited users, but the company has since decided against this system. So, your photos are safe from being sold to anyone.

Will Instagram Share My Information?

Well, that all depends on how you look at it. Instagram will share your details with Facebook. But, let me remind you, Facebook already owns Instagram. So, your information is already available. These details will be used to help both companies prevent viruses, hackers, and will eventually allow Instagram information to be included in Facebook’s new Graph Search.

Are My Photos Safe?

Yes! Your Instagram photos are just as safe as they always have been. If your photos are private, only those people you have approved can see your pictures. Instagram may allow advertisers to pick up photos that have a company hashtag (like #nike), but these photos can’t be doctored, and Instagram can’t sell your photos to anyone. So, you see, there’s a big difference between what the media is stating and what’s really happening. Lesson: never trust what you see on TV, or hear on the radio. Unless, of course, you are listening or watching a completely reliable source.

When This Will All Begin

The new Instagram rules will go into effect today. So, starting today, Facebook will gain your information and some of your tagged photos may be used by advertisers. The pictures of your baby won’t wind up part of a Baby Gap campaign and your private photos won’t be sold to anyone. But, if you tag a photo with a popular company name, that company may post your photo elsewhere (but your picture can’t be doctored, and companies would actually benefit from displaying your name on a photo).

Now that you know that Instagram is not out to get you, selling your photos, or ask you to sign your life away, you can keep using the popular photo service. If this doesn’t interest you, you can find other photo apps that are just as much fun. But, if you’re like me, nothing compares to the fun that Instagram provides. Just in case you’re wondering, though, there are lots of other photo apps out there for both iOS and Android, but don’t expect those same retro filters! Otherwise, your photos are perfectly safe with Instagram.