The popular social media site, Pinterest, is used to browse pictures. (Photo by Kelsey Jordan)
Pinterest, one of the newest social media sites on the Internet, recently changed its terms and privacy conditions after legal experts questioned the possibility of copyright infringement within the expansive picture-sharing database.
The site has gained popularity for its diversity in subjects as well as accessibility. By visiting the homepage, the user can scroll through hundreds of ?pinned? pictures varying from wedding ideas to celebrity quotes to new recipes for fruity cocktails. However, many users tend to pin mindlessly, not understanding the possible legal repercussions.
The newly updated terms and privacy conditions, which go into effect on April 6, explicitly explain how content will be managed and copyright will be handled. In regards to ?re-pinning,? the terms state that, depending on the individual account settings, users can ?display, reproduce, re-pin, modify (e.g., re-format), re-arrange and distribute your User Content on Pinterest for the purposes of operating and providing the Service(s) to you and to our other Users.?
The process of pinning involves re-posting pictures varying from crafts to fashion to inspirational quotes. The user can then create themed pages in which to organize their pins so others Pinterest users may view them as well. However, there is concern that many users are not accurately giving credit to the original creator of the photograph. The U.S. copyright laws define pictures protected under the laws as ?two-dimensional and three dimensional works of fine, graphic, and applied art, photographs, prints and art reproductions, maps, globes, charts, diagrams, models, and technical drawings, including architectural plans.?
According to The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, those who violate copyright law with intent to self-promote or increase financial gain may face anywhere between five to 10 years in prison along with between $500,000 and $1 million in fines. This is also addressed in Pinterest?s ?Pin Etiquette? page, where the five rules listed include: ?Be nice, credit your sources, avoid self-promotion, report objectionable content and tell us how to make Pinterest better.?
Catherine Carroll, a sophomore international hospitality and management major, uses the website for creative ideas, whereas sophomore psychology major, Jordan Recchion, uses Pinterest for its efficiency.
?I like all the funny pictures, and I like that they have different recipes. It?s just another way to share your interests and get ideas for arts and crafts and show how to do fun things with your hair,? Carroll said.
She explained she has little concern for recent illegality charges of one of her most visited sites.
?I always just assumed it was okay. I never really thought about it,? Carroll said. ?It makes sense, but at the same time so many things go through the Internet. If people are getting that upset, they need to set their priorities straight. But for the recipes, if you click on the picture it will bring you to the original website, so shouldn?t that be credit enough??
When asked if he knew each pin was supposed to credit the original source, Recchion responded that he was under the impression the website took care of it.
?Well honestly, I figured it was all under control because it [the picture] usually has a link to the original site and the person who pinned it first. I haven?t heard of any problems yet, so I guess I never even considered they were under speculation,? Recchion said.
Although Pinterest has not been officially charged with any lawsuits, there are many news articles reporting that artists may soon demand creative credit for their work.
Carroll, however, remains loyal to the popular webpage.
?If they?re just saying, ?Oh you could be in trouble,? then I?d probably not listen and just keep using the site,? Carroll said.
The Pinterest Press Team and Copyright Agent could not be reached for comment.
Source: http://northernarizonanews.com/blog/2012/03/27/pinterest-struggling-with-legal-controversy/
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