If you did not create the image, or if you are unable or unwilling to verify its copyright status, do not upload the image. Most images you might find on the Internet are copyrighted and not appropriate for uploading to Wikipedia. It may be advisable to side with caution, rather than with humor or whimsy (e.g., as a fan or detractor of a famous artist or as a political opponent of a public figure).īefore uploading images at Wikipedia:File Upload Wizard, make sure you read and follow the image use policy. In addition to relying upon competent authority regarding copyright status, we recommend relying upon good common sense when considering whether an image of a living person might be considered offensive by them or others. Wikipedia serves the widest of audiences and as such must be exemplary in its handling of sensitive things like imagery of living persons. Please don't take removal of an image that is not properly documented, too large in size, or potentially offensive to others personally. Images uploaded that fail to meet the criteria specified by Wikipedia will be promptly removed.
If you upload a file with a "fair use" designation, be sure to rely on competent copyright law authority if there is any question about its status, you are likely to be required to defend its ongoing inclusion in Wikipedia in a timely manner. Claimed as fair use under Wikipedia's non-free content guidelines.One of various licenses listed in this Wikipedia resource page.Public domain (expired copyright or public from inception) (see here).Here is a brief synopsis of the image requirements:Īllowed copyright statuses include (in descending order of desirability): By diligently completing the above steps, you can save yourself and others a great deal of time and ensure that whatever you upload will remain a part of Wikipedia's knowledge base. Unfortunately, large numbers of images are removed from Wikipedia within hours or days of being uploaded due to inappropriate, insufficient or inaccurate copyright information. If you want to upload multiple images using the New wizard, click here. uploading the image with clear labeling as to its origin and copyright status.clearly establishing that the copyright status of each intended upload is appropriate for a free-content encyclopedia and then.Uploading images to Wikipedia is a matter of:
A Wikimedia Foundation brochure in PDF form that introduces newcomers to Wikimedia Commons and how they can contribute to it.