MicrostockGroup

No comment.... 
It looks like you don't need an authorization from the photographer to use the image in commercial purposes...

Yes, Cathy, someone may think he can get the image (the watermarked one, he doesn't have access to the full size) and use it for anything.  He may understand that it can be used even for commercial purposes.

"this image does not require authorization. This image is available for commercial use."

The particular image I saw has a watermark that can be easily removed.

The problem in the translation is just a single word: "release", translated to Portuguese as "authorization", which does not have the same meaning. I wonder if it is the case in Spanish though.

We already have to struggle with the poor understanding of the term "royalty free". In FT Brazil, it is translated as "photos free of rights"

I wondered the same thing.  Glad for the explanation. 

Yes, that is pretty scary.  The translation should be more clear.

Madelaine,
but I don't know what other word they could use instead. Relase is an authorization...

However make no mistake the big name ad agencies, and corporations know exactly what those
terms means etc...However I can't say the same for the regular graphic design guy with a blog or mom and pop ad agency. There isn't much one can do ....
and to be honest....the royalty free term around the world, is probably misread anyway..