In
response to an incident on Facebook, I wrote the following blog: “Online
Privacy and Fake Memories” [http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2014/12/online-privacy-and-fake-memories.html]. I
highlighted the issue of fake memories stolen from people.
There
was someone who thought it might have been deceptive, and it was “wrong, but not really a big issue to worry about”.
Being deceptive is not a “big issue”? I find that a little hard to believe,
especially when there are people who believe everything they read/see/hear
online.
Another
point that was made was that the person who shared a photo that wasn’t theirs –
they weren’t the first or last person to do it, that it is a sign of the times
and it won’t change.
That’s
the kind of attitude and complacency that causes it to continue. It’s been
excused so people keep excusing it; they’re so used to it happening it is
second nature.
A
recent case in the news (that’ll I get to later) highlights the lack of concern
we have for this issue when it comes to intellectual property as well as our
rights as people.
There
is a HUGE concern when someone feels a deep need to swipe someone else’s
photos, memories, or even a “life” to represent as their own – deceptive is not
quite adequate – it is FRAUD. It amounts to virtual identity theft. Even if it
isn’t for monetary gain – who is to say it wouldn’t lead there? [More on that
later]
The
person commenting (about it not being a big issue) was only concerned if it was
being used for pedophilia purposes. As long as it wasn’t? “Being in
the nature it was used … it was wrong, but not really a big issue”.
How
about the fact that the people doing this are stealing someone’s family to
represent themselves and becoming a voice for that family? That should worry
anyone that someone else is being their voice.
“Joanna”
(the person who was mentioned in the blog “Online Privacy and Fake Memories”)
was using a picture (that she likely did not own or have permission to use) to
represent herself, a twin brother, and this Lisa “long ago”. And, this “Lisa” perpetuated the scam by
commenting on the photo.
Being
deceptive and dishonest puts the entire online community at risk – in addition,
it is PLAGARISIM. They are STEALING someone else’s work and using it (even if
it isn’t for monetary gain) as their own.
To
be blunt … it is against the law. It is called INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY THEFT. And, it is something the FBI takes seriously.
If
you were to publicly screen your own DVD copy of a movie that you bought – even
if it isn’t for monetary gain (without permission of the distributor) – it’s
still considered illegal. Read this warning (it’s from a WARNER DVD) …
 |
| [Picture of FBI warning – taken by me] |
And
one from a CBS/Paramount DVD:
 |
| [Again, taken by me] |
When
someone (like myself) takes PERSONAL photographs, we are the “copyright” holder
– despite the fact it might be a “public” place (Disneyland, etc). That is our
work; that is our intellectual property. The images belong to us. They are for
our use and distribution – no one else has the right to distribute them without
payment and/or attribution use – even then the copyright holder might still
retain their rights.
This
is a good read:
“FBI
Anti-Piracy Warning Seal” – note that it is under the section “Intellectual
Property Theft”
Notice:
“Copyrighted works can include, but are not limited to, films,
audio recordings, electronic media, software, books, photographs, etc.”
… I did. And, it is not a “victimless” crime. Even if it is not for monetary
gain, there are victims involved.
Sounds
serious, doesn’t it? Remember the person who said “wrong, but not really a big issue to worry
about” … they’re wrong. And, they’re wrong in a big way.
To
answer the person who said “sadly a sign of the
times … this will never change” …
Yes
it is a sign of the times, but it can change and you can do something about it – be
more private. Watch what you share with and the people you share to.
Depending
on what network you use and why you use it:
1.) Don’t be available in search (Facebook)
2.) Set “friend requests” to “Friends of Friends” (Facebook)
3.) Watch how many family photos you post and what details
(Facebook &
Twitter)
4.) Maintain the strictest possible privacy (Facebook &
Twitter)
A.) Don’t be afraid to have lists on
Facebook
B.) Don’t be afraid to de-friend or block
on Facebook
5.) Watch who you friend (Facebook)
6.) Lightly watermark your photos (Facebook & Twitter)
7.) If anything seems suspicious – REPORT IT
(Facebook &
Twitter)
Just
because something has been done (and repeatedly) doesn’t mean we should allow
it to continue. We can take precautions by limiting what we do online to impact
that privacy. We can make reports against people as well.
I
don’t think we can stop it entirely, but there is nothing wrong with being
vigilant about it and educating our friends to being a bit more cautious
online.
Oh, and if my blogs aren’t convincing … remember I said something about a recent case in the news highlighting the lack of concern we have for the issue?
How
about this:
“N.M. woman sues over yearbook photo being used on novelty
flask”
[http://www.jrn.com/ktnv/now-trending/NM-woman-sues-over-yearbook-photo-being-used-on-novelty-flask-287828651.html]
[http://www.jrn.com/ktnv/now-trending/NM-woman-sues-over-yearbook-photo-being-used-on-novelty-flask-287828651.html]
Three
more links:
“New Mexico woman sues novelty company for putting her high school portrait on flask”
“New Mexico woman sues novelty company for putting her high school portrait on flask”
“NM woman sues over yearbook photo, novelty flask”
“Woman suing over use of her photo on flask”
Just
because it has happened, doesn’t mean we continue to let it happen.
“Dunn said his office tried to get the issue resolved
before filing the lawsuit, without success.
“I received an email from Anne Taintor at one point when
we first started talking that basically said ‘well, most people find this stuff
funny – get over it.'” Dunn called the company’s response, “a really flippant
way to think about somebody’s reputation.””
I
think Mr. Dunn says it better than I can.
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