AIM really isn't private anymore...

[Leda EmBorr]

I recently learned that changes in the AOL's instant message privacy policy are causing quite a stir. Basically is states that if you send something on aim, aol and posse have a right to use it for whatever.

This is what it says:

Content You Post
You may only post Content that you created or which the owner of the Content has given you. You may not post or distribute Content that is illegal or that violates these Terms of Service. By posting or submitting Content on any AIM Product, you represent and warrant that you own all the rights to this Content or are authorized to use and distribute this Content on the AIM Product and this Content does not and will not infringe any copyright or any other third-party right nor violate any applicable law or regulation.

Although you or the owner of the Content retain ownership of all right, title and interest in Content that you post to any AIM Product, AOL owns all right, title and interest in any compilation, collective work or other derivative work created by AOL using or incorporating this Content. In addition, by posting Content on an AIM Product, you grant AOL, its parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, assigns, agents and licensees the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide right to reproduce, display, perform, distribute, adapt and promote this Content in any medium. You waive any right to privacy. You waive any right to inspect or approve uses of the Content or to be compensated for any such uses.

HEL--LO..........I DON"T THINK SO!

If you want to read it for yourself, here's the link:

www.aim.com/tos/tos.adp

So be careful what you send on AIM!

[JediKai]

It's always good to read the terms of service and use! That's a particularly bad one.

[Mon-Jas Charan]

[glow=red,2,300]

Yea ...AIM is just as private as Email.... This is part of the Home Land Security, BATF and the DEA efforts to have access information and evidence.

[/glow]

[Ryss Fal-Orran]

AIM claims the contrary...

[Mon-Jas Charan]

[glow=red,2,300]

Most people assume Email is private ... It is really not … when every it passes through a HOP … it becomes property … of the server, and the servers owner as long it sit or a cached there … most ISPs hold email on the server for up to 90 days, and if a backup occurs during that time it is on there tapes for as long as they hold them …. Thus your email can be subpoenaed if so desired by the courts.

[/glow]

[JediMistressDragon]

Since I don't do instant messaging since someone used one of mine years ago to give me a virus and steal my e-mail address.
JMD