Legal Image Usage in Quora Answers

Introduction

When contributing to discussions on Quora, adding visual elements can enhance the clarity and impact of your responses. However, using images thoughtlessly can lead to legal issues, especially when dealing with copyrighted material. This guide will help you navigate the legal landscape of image usage on Quora, ensuring your contributions are both effective and compliant.

Understanding Image Rights on Quora

On Quora, you can legally use images if they are either non-copyrighted or have been sourced legally via proper attribution. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the distinction between copyrighted and non-copyrighted images and the procedures to ensure the latter.

Procedures for Finding Suitable Images

Procedure on Yahoo Image Search

Go to Yahoo Image Search. Enter the relevant keyword. Change “Any license” to “Free to modify share and use commercially” by clicking on the corresponding button in the top right corner. Inspect the images that appear; these are suitable for your purposes. Click on the image you need and click “View Page” to find the original source of the image. You must include this source in your Quora answer as an image credit.

Procedure on Google Images

Go to Google Advanced Image Search. Enter the keyword in the main search bar. Change “usage rights” from “not filtered by license” to “free to use share or modify even commercially” under the “Usage Rights” section. Click on “Advanced Search” to refine your search. Select the desired image and click “Visit” to find the original source. Include this source as an image credit in your answer.

Using Public Domain and Creative Commons Images

For many content creators, using images from public domain or creative commons sources is a safe and effective practice. Here’s a breakdown:

Public Domain Images

Check Pixabay and Wikimedia Commons for images that are in the public domain. Images from these sources can be used freely without attribution.

Creative Commons Images

Licensed under Creative Commons (CC), such as CC-BY, CC-BY-ND, or CC-BY-SA. For example, you can use images from Flickr and Wikimedia Commons that are licensed under these terms. Always attribute the original source of the image. Failure to do so can result in copyright infringement.

Why Not to Use Non-Commercial Creative Commons Images

Some users might consider using Creative Commons Non-Commercial (NC) images, but it’s essential to understand the nuances:

Posting on Quora is considered a non-commercial activity. Therefore, even though you might not be deriving commercial benefit, posting on Quora is still a commercial activity. Think twice before using NC licensed images. Unless you have explicit permission from the copyright owner to use the image commercially, avoid them to be on the safe side.

Other Considerations

When using images, consider the following:

Be mindful of personality rights. Avoid posting portraits or photos of famous people without explicit permission or attribution. Ensure all images are relevant and enhance the clarity of your answer. Use them judiciously.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines and procedures, you can enhance your Quora answers with appropriate images that are both legally compliant and impactful. This will not only improve the overall quality of your contributions but also protect you from potential legal issues.