Was thinking of adding an avatar (random image I like off a search) and got to wondering this.

I think it’s fine if you’re not claiming it is yours. And most people assume that any generic/immediately recognizable avatar is just an image off the internet that the user just likes.

Though there’s maybe a weird grey area where if you use artwork from someone that isn’t like… a super established artist (hard line to draw) it’s kind of iffy. I wouldn’t feel right using someone’s drawing off Instagram. But plenty of people use anime avatars from manga etc. and I don’t see an issue.

Not the most important topic in the world but I thought it was fun to think about.

  • bearboiblake@pawb.socialEnglish
    4·
    3 days ago

    Technically, it could be copyright infringement, depending on the work, a fair use exemption might apply - for example a screenshot from a game would be less likely to be infringing compared to, say, a painting due to less of the copyrighted work being reproduced and the avatar not being a replacement for the original work (i.e. seeing the screenshot wouldn’t give you the same experience as playing the game)

    In practice, I doubt very much anyone would ever actually even go so far as to send a cease and desist unless you were impersonating some brand or causing reputational damage.

    Morally speaking, I think it’s absolutely fine! People have been using copyrighted works in their avatars and signatures (remember those?!) since dial-up was fast enough to cope with it. If someone asks you not to then you should respect that but otherwise I’d say go ahead!