When using images that clearly identify members of the public, all those shown must give their written permission. However, images of crowds are generally OK. Legal obligations Copyright Putting material on the web is publishing it. It is therefore protected under the and cannot be freely copied, downloaded or distributed. Whether in a book or on a website, material such as text, photographs, graphics, maps and tables is protected. Copyright also protects electronic material such as emails, databases, directories, computer programs and CD-ROMs/DVDs. Key points In Australia, it is not necessary to register copyright. It is automatic and does not depend on the presence of a copyright symbol. The creator of a work owns the copyright unless they have assigned it elsewhere. The government owns the copyright in works created or first published by employees on behalf of the federal, state or territory governments. Before copying, printing, saving or emailing material found on a website, check the site’s copyright statement for conditions of use. Any material copied from a website, must be accurately referenced (refer to ). Penalties for infringement of copyright include fines and imprisonment. Copyright can be very complex. If necessary, contact your legal services unit for advice. agency’s Moral rights Under the the creator of a work (as distinct from the copyright owner) has the right to: be attributed as creator of the work prevent another from falsely claiming authorship of their work prevent their work from being used in any way that may negatively affect their character and reputation. Privacy laws When publishing online, all Queensland Government agencies must comply with the . The Office of the Information Commissioner helps Queensland public sector agencies comply with this Act and publishes on their website. Photography Members of the public have the legal right to refuse publication of their image. Therefore, a photograph that clearly identifies members of the public (including agency staff) cannot be published without the written permission of all those depicted. Check to see if your agency has developed a specific form or procedure for this purpose.
When using images that clearly identify members of the public, all those shown must give their written permission. However, images of crowds are generally OK. Legal obligations Copyright Putting material on the web is publishing it. It is therefore protected under the and cannot be freely copied, downloaded or distributed. Whether in a book or on a website, material such as text, photographs, graphics, maps and tables is protected. Copyright also protects electronic material such as emails, databases, directories, computer programs and CD-ROMs/DVDs. Key points In Australia, it is not necessary to register copyright. It is automatic and does not depend on the presence of a copyright symbol. The creator of a work owns the copyright unless they have assigned it elsewhere. The government owns the copyright in works created or first published by employees on behalf of the federal, state or territory governments. Before copying, printing, saving or emailing material found on a website, check the site’s copyright statement for conditions of use. Any material copied from a website, must be accurately referenced (refer to ). Penalties for infringement of copyright include fines and imprisonment. Copyright can be very complex. If necessary, contact your agency’s legal services unit for advice. Moral rights Under the the creator of a work (as distinct from the copyright owner) has the right to: be attributed as creator of the work prevent another from falsely claiming authorship of their work prevent their work from being used in any way that may negatively affect their character and reputation. Privacy laws When publishing online, all Queensland Government agencies must comply with the . The Office of the Information Commissioner helps Queensland public sector agencies comply with this Act and publishes on their website. Photography Members of the public have the legal right to refuse publication of their image. Therefore, a photograph that clearly identifies members of the public (including agency staff) cannot be published without the written permission of all those depicted. Check to see if your agency has developed a specific form or procedure for this purpose.
web-writing-and-style-guide.docx