Twitter confirms users own their content

Micro-blogging site Twitter has posted an update to its terms and services.

The new terms clarify the company's position on spam as well as outline Twitter's rights to reproduce and copy user postings.

Under the new settings, the site notes that though Twitter will be able to archive and reproduce content, users will control the rights to all of their posts.

Additionally, the site left open the possibility of new advertising campaigns by notifying users that Twitter will keep the right to serve ads based both on web page information and search queries.

Company co-founder Biz Stone said that the new terms were designed to keep pace with the growth and changes Twitter has experienced recently.

Stone said that clarifying the areas of ownership and advertising were key to the new terms.

"These updates complement the spirit of Twitter," Stone said in an e-mail to Twitter users.

"As Twitter has evolved, we've gained a better understanding of how folks use the

service."

Stone noted that the company would be open to user comments and changing the terms based on feedback. User outcry has in the past lead to other social networks such as Facebook altering their terms and conditions.