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What are the legal consequences of using copyrighted images on my website or social media accounts without permission?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice can result in the removal or demonetization of your content, and in extreme cases, legal action.

Online platforms and search engines have established copyright policies to protect creators and enforce copyright law.

The burden rests on creators to verify the copyright status of images before using them, as the law assumes that creators have done their due diligence.

Using copyrighted images without permission can result in lawsuits, fines, and even criminal charges in extreme cases.

Even if you don't profit from using copyrighted images, you can still be liable for damages and legal fees.

Embedding copyrighted images can also lead to legal consequences, as a 2018 US court case highlighted.

Even if an image is widely available online, it doesn't mean it's not copyrighted, and using it without permission can still result in legal action.

Using images from reputable sources like stock photo websites or government websites can help minimize the risk of copyright infringement.

Linking to images instead of downloading them directly can also help maintain proper attribution and minimize legal risks.

If you create an image as an employee, the copyright to that work belongs to your employer, not you.

Fair use, an exception to copyright law, allows for limited use of copyrighted material without authorization, but its application is complex and fact-specific.

Even if an image is labeled as "free to use," it's still important to verify the terms and conditions of use to avoid copyright infringement.

Creative Commons images are protected by copyright and require appropriate attribution, despite being labeled as "free to use."

Repurposing or reusing work on social media can also lead to copyright infringement, even if you're not selling the work.

The impact of your use on the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work is a key consideration in determining whether your use is considered fair use.

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