Proper Attribution for Creative Commons Photos on Websites

When using a Creative Commons (CC) licensed photo on a website, it's crucial to provide appropriate attribution. This article outlines the best practices for ensuring that you are meeting the requirements of the CC license while also enhancing the user experience of your website.

General Guidelines for Attribution

General guidelines for placing the attribution include:

Displaying the attribution in a reasonably prominent location, such as under the photo or in the caption. Clearly indicating that the attribution pertains to the specific photo in question and not another element on the page. Including the name of the copyright holder and the specific Creative Commons license used (e.g., CC BY-SA 4.0). Providing separate attributions for multiple CC licensed photos used on the same page. The attribution can be in text form or as a hyperlink to the licensing information.

While there are no strict requirements for the exact placement or formatting, it is important that the attribution is reasonably close to the photo and clearly communicates the necessary information.

Creating an “Acknowledgements” Page

Many websites include an “Acknowledgements” page to provide detailed attributions for all the CC licensed photos used on the site. This page can serve as a central repository for all attribution information, making it easier for users to locate the information they need. However, depending on the size of the site and the importance of the attribution, it may not be necessary to have a dedicated page.

TASI Rule for Attributions

Some find the TASL rule helpful for providing clear and consistent attribution. Here’s a breakdown of the TASL rule:

Title: The name of the photo or artwork. Author: The name of the creator or photographer. Source: The URL linking to the author's profile or the source where the photo was found. Licence used: The specific Creative Commons license used, such as CC BY 4.0.

This rule provides a straightforward and easy-to-follow structure for attributing CC licensed photos.

Visibility and Usability

It's important that attributions are clearly visible and easy to find. If your website does not have an “Acknowledgements” page, consider placing attributions close to the photos, such as under the image or in the caption. The primary goal is to make it as easy as possible for viewers to identify the source and licensing terms for each CC licensed image used on the site.

Business Risk Considerations

In some cases, there may be a gray area when it comes to attributions. When in doubt, it's best to consult the license terms. Additionally, consider the business risk of not correctly attributing photos. Evaluate the likelihood of a licensor coming after you for not following the guidelines. Most of the time, the risk is low, but it's important to weigh this risk against the need to follow the guidelines properly.

As a best practice, show the licensor your proposed treatment of their work. This can help avoid misunderstandings and potential disputes. If you are confident in your approach, proceed with a fair and reasonable manner, and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.

Maintaining proper attribution not only respects the rights of the original creators but also enhances the credibility and ethical standing of your website. By adhering to these guidelines, you can further the spirit of creativity and sharing that Creative Commons licenses aim to promote.