For artists, musicians and photographers who are in the business of sharing their original work with the world, posting on the web, especially social media, can be a double-edged sword. Afterall, it’s almost impossible not to use the internet as a marketing device, especially since its an inexpensive and effective means of exposure.
However, in an internet-driven culture where posting and reposting content is as simple as a click of a button, it makes stealing someone else’s work equally as easy.
Every upload increases the risk of copyright infringement, making it important for artists to learn how to protect themselves from these occurrences.
While most online piracy efforts focus on recovering losses after infringement has already occurred, some new technology-driven methods are making the process more effective.
Take for instance the new cryptocurrency platform developed by ICOx Innovations in conjunction with RYDE Holding, to help photographers prevent the illegal use or duplication of digital assets. Cameron Chell, chairman and co-founder of ICOx, along with RYDE Holding through a brand license agreement with Kodak is creating KODAKOne, a blockchain-based image rights management platform and its cryptocurrency, KODAKCoin.
KODAKOne uses an encrypted ledger of rights ownership for photographers to protect, manage and monetize their new and archived works – potentially making it significantly cheaper and faster to register, move and sell their digital images.
The blockchain-based technology also allows photographers and digital artists to track their files, authenticate them, put licenses on them and police them.
In addition to implementing blockchain technology, artists may also want to consider adding visible watermarks and contact information to their images before uploading them online.
Another way to prevent internet piracy is by uploading low-resolution images only, no more than 72dpi.
In the same way artists and photographers can take measures to protect their images, musicians can also safeguard their recordings by executing the following tactics: hide information into music (called digital watermarking), upload low-quality recordings only, attach the copyright © notice next to all recordings, and inform users that a high-quality version is available for purchase.
Artists deserve fair compensation for their work and, ideally, as more photographers, artists and musicians implement blockchain solutions like those provided by KODAKOne, copyright issues will gradually be mitigated.
