Using Images From Google and Other Search Engines
Many assume we may freely
use an image found online using a search engine or on a blog or
website. In fact, the opposite is true. Search engines like
Google simply point you to images and photos according to your search
criteria. They are not content depositories
or collections of public domain or copyright-free works. So
if you locate that perfect image, assume it is protected by copyright.
Read the terms with
respect to an image to see if the copyright
owner allows its use for certain purposes without
obtaining their permission. If no such
permission is indicated, then you need to obtain permission before
using it.
5 Best Practices for Legally Using Images
1. Never assume that an online
image may be used without permission. Start with the assumption that all
images are protected by copyright.
This
includes images that are found through a Google search.
2. Before using any image,
research its copyright status. (Google tools can assist with this.)
3. If necessary, obtain permission
for the image you found on Google as you would for any copyright-protected
content.
4. Copyright-wise, it is always
less risky to link to a photo or other image than it is to copy and paste that
image into your website or social media platform.
5. Use and re-use images which
have a Creative Commons (CC) license. However, be aware that a CC license is
just that: a license. You will need to read the terms and conditions of the
license and see what is allowed or not.
(An
upcoming weekly email will focus on understanding CC licenses.)
Copyright,
New Media & E-Commerce News is distributed for free by Lesley Ellen Harris,
www.copyrightlaws.com.
Information contained herein should not be relied upon or considered as legal
advice. Copyright 2017 Lesley Ellen Harris. Click to subscribe to
Copyrightlaws.com's weekly email.
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