Can I post Italian architecture photos on my Facebook?
Can I post Italian architecture photos on my Facebook?
I have taken some photos of buildings in Italy and want to post them on Facebook and share with my friends. But I heard that the architecture in Italy has copyright... So can I take photos of these architecture and just post them on my own Facebook for my personal use? Also, I noticed there are some beautiful CC0 photos with architecture in them, can I share them with others on my Facebook? My friends said the limitation is just for commercial use, and since I am just myself... it's not a copyright infringement. Is it right? Is there any case for such copyright infringement? Thank you!
Hi Halie,
You are correct that Italy has one of the more restrictive laws concerning the taking of photographs of buildings and pieces of art in public places which are protected by copyright. However that law only applies in Italy, so if you are based in the UK (or indeed any country other than Italy) then this isn't really an issue. Theoretically the architects could sue you in the UK but since posting on Facebook isn't a commercial activity I think the chances of it happening are remote. At most, you might find that google.it is asked to de-list any URLs which point to your Facebook page.
The same applies to other people's images which have Creative Commons licences. Assuming that you abide by the terms of the CC licence, you run no risk by publishing such images on your Facebook page.
You are correct that Italy has one of the more restrictive laws concerning the taking of photographs of buildings and pieces of art in public places which are protected by copyright. However that law only applies in Italy, so if you are based in the UK (or indeed any country other than Italy) then this isn't really an issue. Theoretically the architects could sue you in the UK but since posting on Facebook isn't a commercial activity I think the chances of it happening are remote. At most, you might find that google.it is asked to de-list any URLs which point to your Facebook page.
The same applies to other people's images which have Creative Commons licences. Assuming that you abide by the terms of the CC licence, you run no risk by publishing such images on your Facebook page.
Advice or comment provided here is not and does not purport to be legal advice as defined by s.12 of Legal Services Act 2007