Check this
story out.... I wonder if they'll change their policy if enough people make a stink about this..
Quote:
The revamped terms of service, which apply only to users who downloaded the free AIM software on or after Feb. 5, 2004, gives AOL the right to "reproduce, display, perform, distribute, adapt and promote" all content distributed across the chat network by users.
"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," according to the AIM terms-of-service.
Posted by: David
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 14/03/2005 08:32
This sounds like when Microsoft had similar terms for
passport that lead many to think they wanted to claim ownership of all your email (they probably did).
Posted by: RobotCaleb
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 14/03/2005 15:08
This applies only to their forums.
Posted by: webroach
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 14/03/2005 18:03
Also, people may want to note that since AIM uses ROT-26 encryption, pretty much anyone can "reproduce, display, perform, distribute, adapt and promote" anything you transmit over it.
Posted by: TerryMathews
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 15/03/2005 02:12
I'm curious as to why you think they shouldn't be entitled to exactly that? Your using their software, over their data network, and paying nothing to do it.
What ever happened to people understanding "Nothing's free"?
Posted by: SonicSnoop
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 15/03/2005 03:56
I really dont know how secure it is, but I use trillian for my IM'n and for aim it has a SecureIM feature for communicating with other trillian users.
Posted by: mlord
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 15/03/2005 17:34
Well, as it turns out.. in today's news: apparently AOL agrees with the idea that private IMs should remain mostly private.
Posted by: RobotCaleb
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 15/03/2005 18:30
they did not intend to monitor IM conversations. it applied to their forums. they didnt do a 180 and suddenly agree on the privacy of IM conversation.
Posted by: wfaulk
Re: Warning to AOL IM users... - 16/03/2005 14:23
That would apparently be Australian law. The US Uniform Commercial Code states that a purchase "includes taking by sale, discount, negotiation, mortgage, pledge, lien, issue or re-issue, gift or any other voluntary transaction creating an interest in property." (Emphasis mine.)