Can I use photos of celebrities on my blog?
January 1, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Edith Fischer
Dear media law attorney,
I run a blog where I report on current topics in the entertainment industry. In my posts, I also like to use photos of celebrities to make my articles more appealing. However, I am concerned about whether I can use these photos without the consent of the celebrities.
I am unsure if by publishing these images, I may be violating the celebrities' right to privacy or if there is a legal basis that allows me to use such photos. I certainly do not want to risk any legal consequences and would therefore like to know from you if and under what conditions I may use photos of celebrities on my blog.
Are there specific regulations or laws that I need to adhere to in order to act in accordance with media law? What measures can I take to ensure that I do not infringe on the rights of others? Are licensing agreements with photographers or agencies necessary in order to use the photos lawfully?
I appreciate your legal expertise and your assessment on this matter. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Kind regards,
Tobias Vollmann
Dear Mr. Vollmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of photos of celebrities on your blog in relation to media law. It is understandable that you are concerned about possible legal consequences, and therefore I would like to respond to you in detail.
It is important to know that celebrities also have a right to their own image, which is anchored in German law as part of the general right of personality. This means that the use of photos of celebrities generally requires their consent in order to not violate their personality rights. Without this consent, celebrities can legally take action against the use of their images.
However, there are certain exceptions that allow the use of photos of celebrities without their consent. For example, photos of celebrities can be used in the context of reporting on current events or in the protection of legitimate interests. However, a balance between the right to privacy of celebrities and the public's interest in information is always necessary.
To ensure that you are acting in accordance with media law, I recommend taking the following measures:
1. Make sure that the use of photos of celebrities is relevant to your reporting and not solely for commercial purposes.
2. In case of doubt, request consent from celebrities or their agencies to avoid legal issues.
3. Check if the photos of celebrities have already been published under a Creative Commons license or a similar license that allows you to use them.
4. If you obtain the photos from photographers or agencies, enter into licensing agreements to ensure that you are using the images lawfully.
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the legal framework before using photos of celebrities and seek professional advice if necessary. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist and thank you for your interest in my legal advice.
Sincerely,
Edith Fischer, Media Law Attorney.
