Facebook changed its logo on its home page earlier this month, a move that was seen as a change in the perception of users of the social media giant.
For almost a decade, the introductory message on the registration page stated that the service was "free and will always be." But since August 7, the slogan has been changed to "It's easy and fast." It is the first time since 2008 that there is no mention of free Facebook service on its homepage.
Mark Bartholomew, professor of intellectual property and cyber law at the University of Buffalo, said the change may be "due to public sentiment." "The public no longer considers Facebook free, it's a hollow claim now."
"It's trite to say you're the producer, but now everyone understands that Facebook follows you and offers you paid advertising. It's not a public service."
A Facebook spokesman told US Today today that the social networking site will always be free.
He added that Facebook products, including landing pages, are regularly updated.
The number of free media users doubled in 2010, when it revised its slogan to "It's free and anyone can join".
Facebook then changed the logo because of rumors spread in 2009 warning that users will have to pay for the subscription service.