Concerns about the use of creative content on Facebook have been circulating among artists and creators. Many worry that Meta, Facebook’s parent company, might claim ownership or sell their artwork, poems, or photographs shared on the platform. Robert from Edmond, Oklahoma, expressed his apprehension after receiving messages suggesting that Meta could use or distribute his art without permission. This article aims to clarify these concerns and provide guidance on safeguarding your creative work while using social media.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that you retain ownership of your intellectual property rights for any content you post on Facebook. This includes copyrights for your art, photos, poems, and videos. While Facebook does have a license to use the content you share on its platform, this does not equate to ownership. The platform cannot sell or give away your work without your explicit consent. The rumors suggesting otherwise are unfounded and not reflective of Facebook’s policies.

However, social media piracy remains a real threat, where others might use your content without permission. To protect your work, consider adding a watermark to your images. This can be done using various image editing tools like Canva or the Windows Photos app. Position the watermark strategically so it cannot be easily removed without damaging the artwork.

Additionally, adjusting your privacy settings can help control who views your posts. Including a copyright notice in your posts serves as a reminder that your content is protected by law. A simple statement such as “[Your Name], [Year]” is legally recognized and can deter unauthorized use.

In conclusion, while Meta has certain rights to use content within its platform, it does not own or have the right to sell your creative work outside of Facebook without permission. By taking proactive steps like watermarking and setting privacy controls, you can better protect your art from misuse.