Photo-sharing app Instagram has provided the perfect way for celebs including Kim Kardashian and her famous sisters Khloe Kardashian and Kendall Jenner to share intimate snaps of their lives. But the stars joined thousands of other users planning to delete their accounts after claims the company would start using individuals' photos in advertisements following a policy change. Reality TV star Kim tweeted: "I really loved Instagram :-( I need to review this new policy. I don't think its fair." Her model sister Kendall added: "might be saying bye bye to Instagram...hope something changes."
X Factor host Khloe agreed "Wow…I just read over Instagram’s new policy...so sad, looks like I might be deleting my instagram after Jan 16. I hope something changes," wrote the star, referring to the date the new terms are scheduled to take effect. The famous sisters might not be deleting their accounts after all, however, after the company has denied they intend to sell pictures posted by users, celebrity or otherwise. Co-founder Kevin Systrom wrote in a blog that "confusing" language was to blame. "To be clear: it is not our intention to sell your photos. We are working on updated language in the terms to make sure this is clear," he wrote, adding that the new terms were part of plans the app has to "experiment with innovative advertising".
He continued: "Instagram users own their content and Instagram does not claim any ownership rights over your photos. Nothing about this has changed. We respect that there are creative artists and hobbyists alike that pour their heart into creating beautiful photos, and we respect that your photos are your photos." The company, which was bought by Facebook for £600m earlier this year, now has 30 days to provide an update about the terms, and Kevin said more updates will be coming soon.
Kim and her siblings weren't the only stars worried about the apparent changes.
Mia Farrow has already taken action. "Trust me, deleting your Instagram account is satisfying," tweeted the actress. US Funnyman Seth Green was considering following her lead. "For anyone following me on Instagram @53th_6r33n I may be deleting due to their new TOS (Terms of Service)," he tweeted. He followed this up with several tweets about the issue, including one that read: "Art I share for free isn't theirs to sell ads on my feed."
The Hills star Lauren Conrad wasn't happy either: "Seriously Instagram...? Guess I'll be deleting my account now. Shame." Neither was Dancing With The Stars professional dancer Cheryl Burke tweeted: "Can't believe Instagram's new policy! They r allowed 2 use ALL of ur images in advertising. Will be erasing my account shortly."