Unfortunately, most of the time it’s unwise and very unsafe to use images from a free image repository. This is because a good portion of their “free” images were actually bought somewhere else, then illegally uploaded there for people to use freely (in most cases, people who use these illegally uploaded images are doing so unintentionally). If you’re caught using one of these images on your website, the consequence could be $10,000s in court fines.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer. This is not to be taken as legal advice. It is simply a warning of what could potentially happen, and is based solely on research I have done.
So, how do you know if a “free image” website is safe to use or not?
Carefully read the Terms of Service. Even if the images have a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero, A.K.A “do whatever you want”) license, it does not mean they are safe to use. Again, they could have been stolen from a paid-image source and uploaded to a CC0 image source.
What you’re looking for in the Terms of Service is any information on liability/indemnification, and whether or not the site is strictly provided on an “as-is” basis.
Following are a few examples of what to avoid. If you see anything like this in the Terms of Service, using the images from that site is at your sole risk (in other words, avoid these sites like the plague):
“By using the Website, you agree that you shall defend, indemnify and hold the Company, its licensors, and each of their parent organizations, […. insert a bunch more mumbo-jumbo here ….] Harmless from and against any and all claims, costs, damages, losses, liabilities [etc…] arising out of or in connection with: (i) your violation or breach of any term of this Agreement, whether or not referenced herein; (ii) your violation of any rights of any third party, (iii) [etc. etc…]”
“In no event shall this Website be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, including without limitation, loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from; (i) any conduct or content of any third party on the Service; (ii) any content obtained from the Service; and (iii) unauthorized access, use or alteration, [….. etc.]”
“Your use of the Service is at your sole risk. The Service is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. The Service is provided without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement or course of performance.”
Again, if you see anything related to any of the above, don’t risk using that website for “free” images.
If the website doesn’t mention anything I listed above, it’s safe to use. Usually these safe sites are owned by ONE person, and all the photos are the work of that person alone. However, you should still make sure the images have a CC0 license, and provide attribution if possible (though this is not required per CC0 guidelines).
NEXT UP: 10 (OUT OF 25) SITES WITH TRULY FREE, SAFE-TO-USE IMAGES
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Actually, Unsplash is one of the "free" image sites that isn't safe to use. Read section 12 of their terms: https://unsplash.com/terms
These other 25 sources I list here should have you pretty much covered. Once you see what some of them have to offer you won't miss Unsplash much. :)
I knew a lot of people didn't know where to look when it came to finding truly FREE and SAFE image sources, so I figured it was time for a good training resource. :)
I've found some great photos there as well, but unfortunately had to skip them. (I don't even look on unsafe image sites anymore).
