Google's New Image Search Facilitates Image Stealing

You do understand the issue is that we license images to businesses who post them online on their sites, and don't really have an interest in blocking google to protect our content from people who are looking to easily grab high resolution images, right? A robots file is no solution at all, unless you're discussing your personal site, and those should be watermarked.

(Edited on 2013-02-06 07:18:17 by sjlocke)

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Oh yes Sean I fully understand the issue. I was of course responding to a couple of post above where some members were asking how to block Google from indexing images on their website which I did.


 

(Edited on 2013-02-06 08:46:04 by Andyd)

If you are with SmugMug:  Gallery Settings>Security & Privacy>Hello World>click 'No'.


This supposedly blocks Google from being able to see your Gallery(s).  We'll see.  I've got some images on Google that are directly from my website.  Fortunately I don't put up anything other than low rez (800 pix) but that size is still usable on the web.

Lack of Knowledge Jani. I have to deal with a ton of bloggers and they all really are clueless as to how to post, what to post etc.  Many of them are trying to be photographers as well. So they use a lot of their own FULL size images without even knowing to downsize them.


 

Blogging isn't an elite sport anymore. Anyone can build one with limited knowledge of how to even turn on a computer at this point in time. I like the idea of figuring out a way to inform the sites mentioned in the quote above. It seems like it would benefit everyone involved.

(Edited on 2013-02-06 10:32:24 by Lobo)

Whilst all of this is being dealt with (presumably between Getty as our Agent and Google) it would be very helpful in the interim if Google were to change the "this image may be subject to copyright"" wording next to the images (once clicked through|) to something like:


"IMPORTANT NOTICE - This image may be protected by copyright - Copying and using this image inappropriately may result in legal action and could incur substantial damages. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE..."


[ or some words to this effect ]


This would then link to a separate page that clearly points out the perils of illegal use whilst also providing guidelines on how images can be acquired legitimately etc... It could also express the moral case for respecting copyright and the do and don't of image use...


This is something that Getty (the Industry...) could ask Google to do straightaway whilst this whole issue is being dealt with. It would probably do Google some credit since they would be seen to be taking quick, sympathetic and constructive steps in the meantime and it would also be very simple to do (and would not be detrimental in any way to the "image finding experience" they are seeking to promote...).


Of course, this assumes that Google does agree with the principals of copyright and protecting the originator's interests...

You might want to make that suggestion to Google. I'm sure there are several external discussions going on about this that would be better served by the suggestions people are making here. I'm not suggesting you stop talking about things in here, I just think we all need to realize that this isn't something we are going to resolve in the iStockphoto Forums.

Thank you, Folks. Carry on.

iStockphoto and Getty are the industry leaders. I would hope our discussion has brought this issue to their attention and that they are taking some sort of action on our behalf, especially as we are distribution 'partners'.

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Yes, and more importantly it affects them as much as us if not more.

I can assure you that it's being discussed at many levels. That said its not something I've been provided any direction on. The trouble with threads of this nature is that people start demanding answers from admins and we aren't typically able to accommodate a formal response. So the discussions typically falls off the rails and people get frustrated.

So please feel free to continue to discuss this just appreciate I have no responses available for you at this time.

(Edited on 2013-02-06 16:28:03 by Lobo)

Thanks just knowing it is being discussed is comforting. I don't think folks are demanding answers, but just acknowledgement goes a long way.

Glad it's being discussed. I just hope it isn't being dismissed.

Yes, the acknowledgement that this is on Getty's radar is huge. Thank you.

Just FYI the "competition" and other webmasters that handle photography or art have reported a loss in traffic of 60-80% since new google Image viewer has gone live. Some smaller stock Agencies have claimed they won't be able to survive if this goes on.

It seems someone has already created a software workaround. I am not a programmer and have no idea how it works, but perhaps it is smoething that could be considered...


Here is an example of how it works

(Edited on 2013-02-07 16:28:25 by courtneyk)