While millions of people across the globe (Zimbabweans included) have relished a chance of viewing an elderly version of them-selves through the viral app, FaceApp, little do they know that they might just as well have ceded privacy rights of their faces to the Russian app developer, Wireless Lab.
According to the company’s terms of use policy, users still own their user content but have given the company ownership of never-ending and irrevocable royalty-free license which gives them power to do anything they want with the pictures at any given place.
“You grant FaceApp a perpetual, irrevocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully-paid, transferable sub-licensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your User Content and any name, username or likeness provided in connection with your User Content in all media formats and channels now known or later developed, without compensation to you.”
“When you post or otherwise share User Content on or through our Services, you understand that your User Content and any associated information (such as your [username], location or profile photo) will be visible to the public,”
“You grant FaceApp consent to use the User Content, regardless of whether it includes an individual’s name, likeness, voice or persona, sufficient to indicate the individual’s identity. By using the Services, you agree that the User Content may be used for commercial purposes. You further acknowledge that FaceApp’s use of the User Content for commercial purposes will not result in any injury to you or to any person you authorized to act on its behalf. You acknowledge that some of the Services are supported by advertising revenue and may display advertisements and promotions, and you hereby agree that FaceApp may place such advertising and promotions on the Services or on, about, or in conjunction with your User Content,” read the terms.
The development has shocked many across the globe who have used the app ignorant of the terms of use.
Locally, the app has gained popularity with the “age-challenge” currently trending on various social media platforms such as Whatsapp and Facebook with local celebrities such as Jah Prayzah and Madam Boss who posted their pictures online trending.
The app has managed to get over 100 million downloads from Google Play and is currently the top ranked app in the iOS App Store in over 120 countries.
