The popular online photography app, owned by Facebook, published new privacy conditions and user terms yesterday, sparking a furore among some users who vowed to close their accounts.
The new terms appeared to suggest Instagram had granted itself permission to start using users' photographs in adverts royalty-free.
But Instagram has sought to clarify its intentions today, saying it won't sell users' photos.
"Our intention in updating the terms was to communicate that we'd like to experiment with innovative advertising that feels appropriate on Instagram," the company writes on their blog.
"Instead it was interpreted by many that we were going to sell your photos to others without any compensation... To be clear: it is not our intention to sell your photos."
Instagram also rejected claims that user photographs would be used in adverts.
The company suggests its real aim is to allow individual users and companies to pay to `promote' their content.
"Let's say a business wanted to promote their account to gain more followers and Instagram was able to feature them in some way.
"We want to create meaningful ways to help you discover new and interesting accounts and content while building a self-sustaining business at the same time."
Share
