There's a lot of 'sharing' going around on the internet especially on 'harmless' social media. And that's okay, as long as you read the terms. You know those 'Terms of Service' tabs you see on social media websites? Right.
A lot of social media websites determine the ownership and right to the content you post on their site.
Check out an excerpt from YouTube's Terms of Service:
"... by submitting Content to YouTube, you hereby grant YouTube a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicenseable and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform the Content in connection with the Service and YouTube's (and its successors' and affiliates') business, including without limitation for promoting and redistributing part or all of the Service (and derivative works thereof) in any media formats and through any media channels. You also hereby grant each user of the Service a non-exclusive licence to access your content through the Service and to use, reproduce, distribute, display and perform such content as permitted through the functionality of the Service and under these Terms of Service."
For instance, YouTube allows you to retain ownership rights, but you grant pretty significant and extensive rights to YouTube and its users. This, in itself, is not a bad thing- they actually need you to give them some of those rights to publish your content. However, just so you know, it may not work for you in the long run.
So, the next time you decide to use a social media site for any reason, be aware that you're making a choice between some extra publicity and the handover of the control of some major intellectual property rights.
It may not mean a lot right now, but bear in mind the potential issues that could arise when you post the next worldwide hit on a social media website.
©2013 Tinukemi Alabi
Contact: tinukemi@gmail.com
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