Are Snapchat Stealing a Lot of their Filters?
 |
| The Ringer |
The biggest issue that comes with this is the fact Snapchat aren't claiming that they actually took the art. Each time they've said it was a coincidence, even if they have removed the filter. The fact is that could be the case; the designer might have seen the original art before and didn't realise they were emulating it. But since so many of these plagiarised filters are actually face art, this is questionable. A lot of the pieces of art came with tutorials on how to copy them and are years old, but that didn't mean the artists wanted them copied in this way. If Snapchat is going to copy someone's face art, then they should request permission and they should at least credit the original artist somewhere. The sad thing is that most of these artists wouldn't have a leg to stand on if they took this to court as their art wasn't copyrighted. Body and makeup artists can't even copyright their work easily as it's not considered eligible for copyright in the same way as other art is.
Snapchat's artists are under a lot of pressure to get new filters designed and because of this they could be copying others. This doesn't excuse the lack of credit, but it does mean you understand how it could be done so easily. A makeup artist called Mykie is one of the artists whose art has been stolen this time. She posted a comparison on Instagram of an image of her crying colourful tears and a similar Snapchat filter. People told her that she was being silly, but she's since filed a report with Snapchat. When she posted the evidence, Snapchat removed the filter, but they had replied to her complaint and tweets saying that it would be up to a judge to decide if it was against copyright infringement.
This is a problem that isn't going to go away easily. Snapchat maybe need to cycle back through old filters more often if they need time to be able to come up with something new. The users probably wouldn't mind much if it meant they got something original. The other option is to actually ask artists if they can emulate their work if they credit them. The thing is Snapchat aren't going to stop doing this whilst they can't get in any actual trouble. Yes, some users will stop using the app because of this, but not enough of them.
There isn't really anything you can say or do to make a change apart from to keep pointing out the thievery. Hopefully, Snapchat will eventually acknowledge that they are doing so, but that's only going to happen if they keep pointing it out.
Rosina is a Songbird writer with a degree in Creative Writing. She's trying to focus on her novel on the side but is glad to be playing around with apps and writing about them in the mean time! Follow her @Songbird_Rosina
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Are Snapchat Stealing a Lot of their Filters?
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, June 20, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, June 20, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.