Worried About the Image Copyright Bank You Use on Your Website? 😱
In today’s digital landscape—especially under strict European regulations—choosing the right image copyright bank is essential to avoid costly copyright claims. At taxtosell.eu, we provide expert legal guidance on how to select both free and paid image sources wisely and safely. 🛡️
⚠️ Using copyrighted images without permission can lead to serious website copyright penalties. Knowing which image copyright banks are safe is your best defense. Avoid legal and financial risks by using platforms with clear and valid licenses.
🖼️ Image Banks: Free or Paid?
Let’s take a look at the platforms you’ve mentioned and assess their risk levels:
💳 Subscription-Based Platforms (Paid — Generally Safe with Active Subscription)
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Freepik: Freemium model. Low risk with an active paid plan. Free use requires attribution and comes with limitations.
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Shutterstock: Paid platform with clear commercial licenses. Low risk with subscription.
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iStockphoto: Part of Getty Images, with solid commercial licensing. Low risk with subscription.
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Pixabay: Mostly free. Low risk if terms of use are respected (usually no attribution required).
🆓 Mostly Free Platforms (Always Check the License!)
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Unsplash: Mostly free. Low risk if their license terms are followed (usually no attribution needed).
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Pexels: Similar to Unsplash and Pixabay. Free and low risk if terms are respected.
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Wikimedia Commons: Hosts content under various licenses (e.g., Creative Commons). Variable risk depending on the specific license used—always verify.
💸 How Much Could You Be Fined for Using Copyrighted Images?
Website copyright penalties vary depending on use, visibility, and legal jurisdiction. Fines can range from hundreds to thousands of euros per image.
✅ Tips to Use Image Copyright Banks Safely:
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Prioritize paid subscriptions: For regular commercial use, paid platforms offer more legal security.
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Read the licenses carefully: Even free platforms have terms you must follow.
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Keep license proof: Store receipts or downloads as evidence of usage rights.
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Audit your content regularly: Review your website images and their sources from time to time.
At taxtosell.eu, we help you navigate the legal challenges of the digital environment. Choosing the right image copyright bank is a crucial step to protect your business from costly copyright penalties.
🔧 We’ve even developed a free WordPress plugin (Image Copyright Check) that analyzes your media library and compares it to leading image platforms. ✅
It helps you assess copyright risk and keep a clear record in case you ever face a claim.