Can I use pictures and videos from the internet for my website?
July 31, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Chloé Tressel
Dear copyright lawyer,
I am Artur Ehrig and I operate a website where I regularly report on various topics. Lately, I have been using more and more images and videos from the internet for my posts, as I believed they would make my content more appealing and engage my readers better. However, I am now concerned whether I am allowed to use these images and videos without permission, as they are protected by copyright.
My worry is that I may be violating copyright laws and could face legal consequences as a result. I would therefore like to know from you whether I can continue to use images and videos from the internet for my website, or if I need to make changes in this regard.
Are there any possible solutions to ensure that I do not infringe on copyright laws? Should I only use images and videos for which I have obtained a license, for example, or are there other legally secure ways to obtain visual content for my website?
I am very grateful for your expert advice and hope that you can help me to legally make my website compliant.
Sincerely,
Artur Ehrig
Dear Mr. Ehrig,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding copyright in relation to the use of images and videos on your website. It is good that you are considering this, as copyright infringement can have serious legal consequences.
In general, all images and videos published on the internet are protected by copyright, unless explicitly stated that they are under a Creative Commons license or a similar license that allows for free use. In most cases, you will need the consent of the creator to use the material on your website.
However, there are some ways to ensure that you do not commit copyright infringement:
1. Acquiring a license: One option is to purchase images and videos from platforms that offer licenses for the use of copyrighted material, such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock. On these platforms, you can legally acquire the desired material and use it for your website.
2. Using royalty-free media: There are also platforms that offer royalty-free images and videos that can be used for commercial purposes free of charge. Examples include Pixabay, Unsplash, or Pexels. However, be sure to review the terms of use to ensure that you are using the material properly.
3. Contacting the creator: If you have found a specific image or video on the internet and would like to use it on your website, you can contact the creator and ask for permission. Often, creators are willing to provide their work for certain purposes when asked for permission.
It is important to always make sure that you have the necessary rights to use image material on your website to avoid legal consequences. If you are unsure whether you are allowed to use a particular image or video, I strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice.
I hope this information helps you ensure that your website is legally compliant. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Chloé Tressel, Copyright Lawyer
