Government Computer News (GCN) reports that America Online has changed its terms for using its instant messaging program (AIM). According to the article, AOL now states in its terms:
“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.”
So far, I do not see this update posted at AOL.
I currently use AOL and Yahoo! for my chat service needs. Although I use AIM primarily for personal reasons, AOL is important because many family and friends only use this service. I would hope AOL would rethink their position on this. Yes, we may choose to use their free chat service, but we should also have a right to privacy.