Google has recently started to release a small update to its website's image search system. The search giant's platform now begins to specify which images are copyrighted or not. With this, it will be easier for both sides, who seek images without copyright and who owns rights to a certain production.
With the new functionality, you will be able to view the licensing information provided by the image publisher. To identify which image is copyrighted, Google has placed a seal on each thumbnail with the word "Licensable". When selecting an image that contains copyright, the source information will appear and if there is a purchase link, the website where the interested party should access.
But that's not all, to facilitate searches, Google has included in its filter system the possibility of carrying out searches considering or not images with copyright. Google developers said:
"We believe this is a step towards helping people better understand the nature of the content they are looking for in Google Images and how they can use it responsibly."
Shutterstock Vice President of Operations Paul Brennan says:
"The new Google Images features help image creators and consumers alike by bringing visibility into how creators' content can be properly licensed. We are pleased to have worked closely with Google on this feature, advocating protections that result in fair compensation to our global community of over one million contributors. By developing this feature, Google clearly demonstrated its commitment to supporting the content creation ecosystem."
Even though Google Images was originally a free image tool that was able to search for images all over the internet, over time there were many conflicts due to copyright issues due to unauthorized use of images from various producers. To solve this problem, Google developers thought it best to inform which images have or rights, pointing out which should or should not need permission for use. A few years ago, Google even tried to improve this issue by removing the full-size image preview button in an attempt to encourage users to visit the site that had produced the image or was using edited artwork.
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