Why using CTTO in crediting other people’s work on the internet is so wrong
I cannot emphasize this more — borrowing is okay but stealing is disturbingly wrong.
Three years ago, I wrote a column about Intellectual Property rights. In my column, I explained why grabbing random images online (artworks, memes, quotes, etc.) and tagging them as CTTO is a grave offense to a creator.
I’m pretty sure you’re familiar with the concept. But if you’ve been living under a rock for the past years, here’s what it means.
IP rights are a set of morals that preserve ownership rights of a person’s creation of the mind.
These types of creations are those intangible projects that are curated, created, or designed with the use of the human intellect.
People may argue “stealing intangible property” may not be that much of an impact as someone stealing your physical belongings. But, if we look at it, it does violate the creator’s rights to ownership and put less recognition on his work.
So, what exactly is CTTO?
CTTO stands for Credits To The Owner.
In most instances, people simply use ‘CTTO’ when they don’t know the original source of the material.
But who really is the owner you’re trying to give credit to?
And are these four letters enough to say that you have rightfully acknowledged the owner?
CTTO comes in many similar forms like the following:
· Photo not mine
· Photo from google
· Credits not mine
· And many more.
As sad as it may seem, there really are people out there who may use your work without permission, whether it’s because of ignorance or malicious intent.
And the best way to cure this problem is to educate the online community on the importance of IP Rights.
What are examples of works that are considered Intellectual Property?
Books and other writing
Musical works
Films
Paintings and other visual arts
Architectural designs
Computer programs
Other literary and artistic works
How can we practice respect for other people’s IP rights in social media?
Don’t download stuff like photos, literary work, music, etc. without the consent of the author.
Make it a habit to ask permission when you’re planning to feature works (that aren’t yours) on your personal wall or page.
Know how to attribute properly (full name of the author, the website you got it from, or where it was originally posted)
Lose the “CTTO”, “photo not mine”, “photo from google” and call out people (politely) who are using this method of attribution in social media.
What if it’s a nice meme and I want to upload it straight to my wall but it has already been shared across social media many times and there’s no way that I trace the author?
Answer: unfortunately, IP rights also apply to memes. If you’re unsure, just don’t download stuff and make it your own. Easy.
Bottom line:
People don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realize that ownership is to be always respected, at all costs.
Some laws safeguard Intellectual Property rights, and it doesn’t exempt you, me, or anybody else.
Respect begets respect.
