Moving to a World of Selfies? – A Critical View of the European Legal Framework for the Online Use of Third Party Images

Abstract

While images define online social and cultural life, professional image providers find it increasingly difficult to finance high-quality image production. The low threshold for copyright protection is overshadowed by significant shortcomings regarding the scope of this protection. This article outlines the current law on the use of images and makes policy recommendations for a legislative reform, in particular regarding framing, liability privileges for host providers and (assumed) implied consent.

Keywords: Copyright Law, Images, Framing, Host Provider Privileges, Implied Consent, EU Copyright Reform, Communication to the Public

JEL Classification: K