There are many digital images available over the Internet that are frequently copied and used on other websites or in other works. Protecting online photos is the method where such photos are prevented from being used, or can only be used in certain circumstances. For anyone who wishes to copy or post images on the Internet, they need to understand how copyright in digital images works.

Just because something is on the Internet and can be copied, does not mean it is legal and proper for you to do so. Images are protected by intellectual property rights in the same manner as any written materials. Before copying any image, you should be aware of digital images copyright laws and how they might apply to the material you wish to copy.

Copying an Image from a Web Page

It is easy to copy an image from a web page. For example, in Windows it is as simple as placing the mouse over the image, right-clicking, choosing “save image as” and then saving the picture. Other systems also have easy-to-use image copying methods. This makes it simple for people to copy the images they want. However, it also means that many people are copying and using images that they should not be copying and using. Before copying any image, you need to understand how the copyright of digital images applies to the image you wish to copy.

Looking for Copyright Statements

In the use of online images, copyright protection applies to many images that are online. This means that you cannot use any images without the permission of the copyright holder. Some images are in the public domain and may be freely used. There are also many copyright holders of images who allow anyone to use them. Before using such images, it is important to read any conditions that may be attached to the use. Some people will require a link, a note saying where the photograph was found or some other condition. However, there are other images that can be used without any conditions being attached.

Never just assume that online images may be used – even if they say free images. There may be conditions attached and if you do not fulfill these conditions, then you will be breaking copyright law. Check the website where you found the images for any copyright statements. These may not always be prominently displayed. Check for links that read “Copyright and Privacy” or “Terms of Use.” You should also read all other information on the website, including anything that says “Read Me,” “Who We Are,” “Site Info,” or “About Us.”

When using online images, keep the following tips in mind:

•    Never presume you can use any image on the Internet.
•    Follow any conditions attached to the use of images.
•    Contact the webmaster if necessary to request permission to use the image, and respect the answer you receive.
•    Do not alter the images in any way.
•    Read all information on the website, as it may contain important information about the use of images.
•    Remember that even if images say they are free to use, there may be conditions attached.
•    Understand that under copyright laws, all intellectual property belongs to the author or creator and cannot be used without permission.

Protecting Your Own Images on the Internet

If you are a photographer or some other creator of images, you will want to pay some attention to protecting online photos. Although your images will be protected under digital images copyright laws, you cannot presume that everyone will obey those laws. Some people will try to copy your images, either because they do not realize it is against the law or because they do not care. You should take whatever steps necessary to protect the images you post on the Internet.

The first step in protecting your images is to make sure that all copyright information is prominently displayed on your website. Even though this information may be sometimes ignored, if it is displayed that the photographs may not be used, then people will not be able to claim that they thought they could use them.

You might also like to consider a service like MyPictureMarc (www.digimarc.com/comm/mypicturemarc.asp). This services allows you to put a watermark on your images, links to contact information, and tracks how your images are being used.

You Can’t Just Grab Any Picture

Images that are posted on the Internet are not free to use. Copyright in digital images is protected by intellectual property rights. Anyone wishing to use or to post images on the Internet should understand those laws and how they apply to them. Realize that all images are protected. Spend time protecting online photos if you are posting your own photographs.