This nugget of information comes via Ben Stansfield. Apparently AOL have revised their AIM terms of services, and they have thrown users rights to privacy out the window…
Content You Post
[…]
Although you or the owner of the Content retain ownership of all right, title and interest in Content that you post to any AIM Product, AOL owns all right, title and interest in any compilation, collective work or other derivative work created by AOL using or incorporating this Content. In addition, by posting Content on an AIM Product, you grant AOL, its parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, assigns, agents and licensees the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide right to reproduce, display, perform, distribute, adapt and promote this Content in any medium. You waive any right to privacy. You waive any right to inspect or approve uses of the Content or to be compensated for any such uses.
Now, that’s some pretty big changes, admittedly AIM isn’t the most secure in the world but a lot of people still use it on a daily basis and most will be blissfully unaware of this change. It’s currently for users registered after February 5th 2005, but how long till it affects everyone else?