Parents in Finland turn to AI for free school pictures
Some parents are using AI tools to strip watermarks from their kids' school photos.
As the Finnish school semester begins, parents are turning to artificial intelligence to remove copyright text from their children's photographs. This practice has raised concerns within the school photography association, which has learned of isolated instances where images were used without proper permission, depriving photographers of payment.
Outi Simström, the vice chair of the association, clarifies that photographers are not compensated by schools or daycares for taking the photos. Instead, their income relies on families voluntarily purchasing the images they desire.
The legal perspective is supported by Emilia Hodge, a specialist in intellectual property law, who states that photographs enjoy at least 50 years of protection under related rights. Without permission, copying or publishing photographs is prohibited. Hodge also cautions parents about the risks of using AI, emphasizing that personal data of individuals, particularly minors, contained in the photographs can pose privacy risks if uploaded to external digital services. The removal becomes challenging once the images are stored online.
Mikko Säteri, representing Finland's photography associations, notes that parents have long removed watermarks from images using various tools and software. However, the advent of AI has introduced a new challenge. AI enables the enlargement of image files, allowing for the creation of printable copies from smaller digital files. As a result, photography businesses must now devise innovative methods to safeguard their work and identify instances of unauthorized use.
School photography in Finland has a rich history spanning 160 years, yet Säteri expresses concern about the industry's future in the age of AI. With school snapshots deeply embedded in Finnish culture and homes, Säteri questions whether these businesses can thrive amidst the changing landscape. Despite the potential challenges, the value of preserving memories through photographs is evident, as Säteri cherishes the photos of his daughters on his fridge, representing milestones in their lives.
Written by urgent.news from Yle News Finland's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
