Is using a copyrighted image/image that isn't yours as an avatar actually okay? (piefed.europe.pub)

submitted 3 weeks ago by Paen@piefed.europe.pub to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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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.

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[-] dumbass@piefed.social 1 points 3 weeks ago

We must protect this one!

As long as you arent using it to make a profit or actively trying to harm the brand associated to the image, you'll be right.

If you use art from a less known artist, just say who the artit is in your bio.

[-] Hello_there@fedia.io 1 points 3 weeks ago

[-] magnetosphere@fedia.io 1 points 3 weeks ago

Many artists post low-res versions of their work online, and charge for the hi-res ones. They know that the publicly available versions might be used for all sorts of purposes.

Another important distinction is that you aren’t profiting off a mere avatar. Profiting off of someone else’s work without permission is a big no no.

I don’t even remember where my avatar came from.

[-] Paen@piefed.europe.pub 1 points 3 weeks ago

Your avatar is cool and pretty tho, so at least I think you have good taste!

[-] magnetosphere@fedia.io 1 points 3 weeks ago

Yours makes me hungry!

this post was submitted on 03 Mar 2026

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