Is downloading images wrong?

Hello

All the time, we are downloading pictures from facebook or google without knowing if there are copyrights involved. On facebook, it is never mentioned whether an image can be downloaded or not. So is using pictures by downloading from facebook comes under copyright infringement?
Thanks very much

I’m not sure about Facebook, but on Google image search it is possible to filter the results by license.
This enables you to find images that are licensed for reuse. Though you should visit the page where the image is found to get details of the licensing because some may be used under certain conditions. For example some cc (Creative Commons) licenses require you to credit the creator and link to the original image and license.

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Any image on the web gets downloaded in order to be displayed. You can assume that all images are licenced for that purpose (displaying in the web page) unless the image has been stolen in the first place.

You can also assume that you cannot use the image for any purpose other than viewing it in the web page unless the page specifically states that you can use it for other purposes.

Any images on the web will be covered by copyright because the web is way short of being old enough for any images converted to web format to be old enough for the copyright to have lapsed. Any images that existed in other formats before uploading to the web may have that format out of copyright but the person who converted it for the web will hold a copyright on their converted copy.

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Yes, if you’re in any doubt, assume that the image is copyrighted. There are some sites that specifically allow you to use images for any purpose, such as Unsplash. Other sites let you pay for the right to use an image, such as Fotolia. Unless the owner has explicitly given permission for you to use an image, don’t.

As fegall says, downloading them is not the issue. The issue is using them for your own purposes publicly.

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Downloading to look at on your own computer? Probably not a problem. However, if you use them for anything else, you’re probably infringing.

If you’re looking for content that you can use on your own website, I can recommend a couple sites that specifically allow it for free.

MorgueFile.com (photos)
Pixabay.com (photos, vector graphics, clip art)

Honestly if you guys are making any kind of money (and even if you aren’t) you should get some fully licensed images. You are opening up yourself to liability but using random images you download via google/FB.

Hi there! It actually depends on how you are going to use the images you have downloaded. For example, if you intend on using a downloaded image in an article to promote your site or other products, then you need to include a photo credit of where you got this image (ex. Credit: Facebook)… And if it’s possible to inform the owner of the photo of your intention to use his or her image, then ask permission first. As long as you don’t assume ownership of the images you are using, then there’s nothing wrong with that…:smiley:

Hope this helps…:smiley:

abut only after the owner gives your permission - otherwise it is stealing and the owner can take legal action

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Sorry, but you are wrong here. As has already been stated in this topic, you may only use pictures from other sites if (a) they are clearly marked as being licensed for reuse and you have complied with the terms of the licence, or (b) you have contacted the copyright owner and obtained permission to use the image before you use it.

If you’re using the images for commercial purposes, as you’ve suggested, I’d say it’s even more important to ensure you have permission to use the images. I’d guess some sites might turn a blind eye to an image used on a personal blog with a small readership, but not to a site aiming to make money by using stolen content.

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This reminded of the Harry Styles vs. Photographer debacle… I guess Styles didn’t really know what he was doing, but is it really so bad that he uploaded the image? I guess he didn’t credit the photographer

OMG people are stupid. Do his fans think the Harry would be so understanding if someone used his music without paying royalties? At the very least his manager or record label would be making some noise about it.

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I would feel so outraged if someone used my work without permission. It’s offensive.