Stars Signing Off Instagram Over Company's Policy Changes
Faster than you can add an Inkwell filter to your latest Instagram upload, celebs are leaving the popular photo-sharing app.
In response to Instagram's Terms of Service changes today, stars are saying goodbye to the app and closing down their accounts in an instant.
Singer P!nk shared this tweet with her followers moments after she read the company's policy changes.
I WILL BE QUITTING INSTAGRAM TODAY. WHAT A BUMMER. YOU SHOULD ALL READ THEIR NEW RULES.
- P!nk (@Pink) December 18, 2012
Actress Tiffani Amber Thiessen of "Saved by the Bell" fame, also tweeted her disappointment over Instagram's sudden change in policy.
Really sad to have to end my luv 4 @ instagram. Will be deleting my account due 2 their ridiculous new terms.
- Tiffani Thiessen (@TAThiessen) December 18, 2012
But fashion designer Christian Siriano is holding out and keeping his account until January.
Yes if they don't change this before January! "@ kathryn17: @ csiriano What is your stance on this? Will you be leaving Instagram too?"
- Christian Siriano (@csiriano) December 18, 2012
So what is making these celebrities so mad that they are shutting down their accounts?
Instagram changed some of the wording in its Terms of Service, which doesn't explain exactly how the company might use the photos. It says "you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you." The new policy goes into effect on Jan. 16, 2013.
Instagram has picked up a lot of steam over the last couple of months. Stars on Instagram include Jessica Alba, Oprah Winfrey and Nicole Richie. Even President Obama created an account for his recent campaign.
Note: Instagram has clarified its Terms of Service and assures users it will not sell their photos.