[linuxandrew]

> Clearly these users opted in when they signed up for Facebook and then uploaded their photos.

Not correct. For instance I, an Australian, had an old Facebook account that I forgot about. I never agreed to any new conditions. In June I received an email from Facebook notifying me that they would be updating their ToS and begin processing public posts and photos. I have been trying to delete the account since but Facebook is refusing to without reason. The account appears to be locked and unrecoverable.

> They had an option not to use Facebook.

That's nice, and I can appreciate this point to some degree, but people can and do change their minds. It's very American style viewpoint that contract law trumps all, e.g. arbitration clauses which aren't really a thing around the rest of the world. Privacy and consumer laws can and should trump Meta's sneaky invasion of privacy.

[dotancohen]

  > It's very American style viewpoint that contract law trumps all, e.g. arbitration clauses which aren't really a thing around the rest of the world.

If you don't like that viewpoint then maybe you shouldn't entrust your private data to an American company that can alter the deal, and you should just pray that they don't alter it further.

I'm Israeli, inherently distrustful of those who come to harm me with a smile. So I don't use Facebook. But I'm not a fanatic - here I am on HN.

[soco]

You are correct. I just wanted to add that regardless how the US company alters their ToS, they are still obliged to follow the law of the land where they offer service. Which is why they get all the time legal troubles in the EU. But yeah. once your photos were already processed it's a bit late to sue.

[linuxandrew]

> If you don't like that viewpoint then maybe you shouldn't entrust your private data to an American company that can alter the deal, and you should just pray that they don't alter it further.

I don't use Facebook, and I think my government should regulate and fine Big Tech companies like Meta when they breach users' privacy.

[toomuchtodo]

Countries can enforce laws on American companies. See: X and Starlink in Brazil. You can pursue companies economically, you can use technical countermeasures preventing them from operating in your jurisdiction, and you can use the legal system if their owners, directors, or employees enter any jurisdiction your reach extends to.

That's all very much for this specific scenario, but the tools exist to enforce laws, if the laws exist. Being a fanatic is not a requirement for any idea in this comment.

[fallingknife]

What expectation of privacy is there when you upload your photos to Instagram for the world to see?

[dotancohen]

Exactly my point.