We have recently seen an increase in the number of joke, humorous, parody posts which often include photos that the member posting did not take (received in emails etc)

I have sought legal advice on this matter and there are conflicting views, but the common-sense approach that I have been advised to consider, is that, as these images are readily available in the public domain, do not have a copyright, watermark, EXIF data or any other identifying marks that imply ownership or restricted usage, that they can be posted under Fair Use .

FAIR USE allows people to use images and written works without compensating the original writer/creator, as long as they act in good faith and do not profit from reproducing the work.

Therefore if the above applies (ie no owner identification) then we will allow these posts in the Off-Topic forum only. In all other cases members are reminding not to post work they have no right to.

It is the responsibility of the member posting the photo/image to ensure that the above is adhered to, and that they have taken reasonable action to ensure any copyright information does not appear on or within the photo/image file.