Like any platform, Copyright applies to every social media service that we use. In fact, social media is where younger generations primarily create and use copyrighted material.
By definition, social media requires interaction between users and content. But how does this change how copyright functions?
Benjamin C. Rothermel, Esq. Law Firm states that some social media apps, such as TikTok, have licensing agreements with certain music and audio production companies. This is a large part of why TikTok can allow its users to use so much copyrighted material.
Many social media platforms will also include clauses in their terms of service that allow the company to license any material posted on the platform. Although this does not extend to the platform's users, it does give power to the platform to use the IP you create.
Possible Consequences of Copyright Infringement
There can be many consequences to infringing on copyrighted material in the social media space. However, it is the responsibility of the copyright holder to make a copyright claim against the person who infringed on their property.
This is why copyright infringement often goes unpunished on social media platforms when done by small creators.
Each platform will have guidelines in its terms of service on how it handles copyright infringement. In most cases, if the infringer was making a profit from the material, then all further profits will be given to the copyright holder.
In some cases, the work that used the copyrighted material will be taken down entirely, or the infringer will be given a temporary or permanent ban from the platform. In the most egregious cases, the infringer may even be taken to court over the infringement.
Each case will be different based on the platform, the type of infringement, and the actions of the copyright holder.
It is important to remember that there can be very serious consequences to copyright infringement, even if it is completely unintentional. As a rule, it is always beneficial to ask the copyright holder before using, review the platform's terms of service, and ensure your use will fall under “Fair Use” before using another person’s IP in your own work.
What Does Copyright Mean For Social Media?
Like any platform, Copyright applies to every social media service that we use. In fact, social media is where younger generations primarily create and use copyrighted material. By definition, social media requires interaction between users and content. But how does this change how copyright functions?
Benjamin C. Rothermel, Esq. Law Firm states that some social media apps, such as TikTok, have licensing agreements with certain music and audio production companies. This is a large part of why TikTok can allow its users to use so much copyrighted material. Many social media platforms will also include clauses in their terms of service that allow the company to license any material posted on the platform. Although this does not extend to the platform's users, it does give power to the platform to use the IP you create.
Possible Consequences of Copyright Infringement
There can be many consequences to infringing on copyrighted material in the social media space. However, it is the responsibility of the copyright holder to make a copyright claim against the person who infringed on their property. This is why copyright infringement often goes unpunished on social media platforms when done by small creators.
Each platform will have guidelines in its terms of service on how it handles copyright infringement. In most cases, if the infringer was making a profit from the material, then all further profits will be given to the copyright holder. In some cases, the work that used the copyrighted material will be taken down entirely, or the infringer will be given a temporary or permanent ban from the platform. In the most egregious cases, the infringer may even be taken to court over the infringement. Each case will be different based on the platform, the type of infringement, and the actions of the copyright holder.
It is important to remember that there can be very serious consequences to copyright infringement, even if it is completely unintentional. As a rule, it is always beneficial to ask the copyright holder before using, review the platform's terms of service, and ensure your use will fall under “Fair Use” before using another person’s IP in your own work.