Image copyright infringement

Any artwork in a ‘fixed’ tangible form automatically has copyright protection. Any use of a photo, video or other artwork without express permission of the creator is an infringement of copyright. Consumers have to avoid violating copyrights and committing plagiarism, but they also should be aware that anything they post online may be misused in illegal ways.

On the Internet, copyrights are frequently disregarded and photos posted publicly are likely to be stolen or repurposed. Images may be used to humiliate, bully, or harass, probably the most frequent abuse of photos among teens and spurned partners. Photos are also stolen to sell or trade for a variety of unsavory uses. Once a photo is posted publicly, it may be very difficult, if not impossible, to locate and remove all copies of it.

Consider your reputation before sharing a risqué photo or one that shows you exercising poor judgment (for example drinking heavily). If the photo is taken by or of a minor the image may be child pornography which is illegal.