Instagram asking some users to provide Government issued IDs and even birth certificates

Instagram, now owned by Facebook, has been asking some Instagram users to verify their identity by sending Instagram/Facebook a copy of their Government issued identification (eg drivers license) and in some cases they even asked for birth certificates. This created confusion and fears of hacking or phishing among some of the users who receive these requests.

Details and discussion at CNet News and Idea Lab and more via Techmeme.

Grumpy Photographer's Prediction: Facebook's collapse is going to be epic when enough people wake up and realize that Facebook is profiting from their life-stream. As we move deeper into a digital economy, a person's life-stream is going to be treated similarly to intellectual property. Facebook is getting a totally free ride now, but the clock is ticking.

Speaking of social media sharing, a new website features the latest Vine Twitter 6-second videos, VinePeek.com (via The Verge).