Instagram announces it's reverting back to 2010 advertising policy

Instagram leaders reminded users of their new terms and policies this week and said they are reverting back to their 2010 advertising policy. (Photo: MGNOnline)

After user backlash last month, leaders of photo-sharing service Instagram reminded users this week that they are reverting back to their 2010 advertising policy.

"Because of the feedback we have heard from you, we are reverting this advertising section to the original version that has been in effect since we launched the service in October 2010," Kevin Systrom, Instagram co-founder, said in a blog post. 

Click here to see the company's updated terms, which go into effect Jan. 19. 

Last month, some users were outraged because it appeared that the new terms would allow the Facebook-owned company to sell user photos to advertisers without permission and compensation. 

According to Wired.com, the 2010 policy says:

"Some of the service is supported by advertising revenue and may display advertisements and promotions, and you hereby agree that Instagram may place such advertising and promotions on the service or on, about or in conjunction with your content. The manner, mode and extent of such advertising and promotions are subject to change without specific notice to you."

"These updates don't change the fact that you own your photos that you post on Instagram, and our privacy controls work just as they did before," according to the email from Instagram.

After last month's backlash, some people quit using the service, and Wired.com reported that—according to AppStats data—Instagram has lost about 42 percent of its daily active users since last month.

Click here for more background.