Author Topic: Is theft now totally out of control? Check for your own images. (Read 3427 times)

KuriousKat · « **on:** June 16, 2023, 03:43 »

I was browsing this morning, and came across several portfolios with the same images. After clicking around a bit, I realised it was a total minefield, with one copied image leading to another, and the issue just getting bigger and bigger.

I have quite a large portfolio, and with competition form both AI being passed off as 'real', and stolen content at every turn, I'm feeling the pinch. Fair competition is fine and healthy but this is really getting to be a bit much.

If I can find this from the similars displayed on the same page, then why can't the sites involved? If I submit two images that are vaguely close, then one gets rejected for being too similar!

You may want to check if any of these portfolios contain your work, as they all contain an image of these lovely musrooms:

https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/MohamedMehalla?mediatype=photography

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/rezzza

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Dykamahady

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Faiza+Anwar+8

To be honest, I'm not sure if any one of these is the original photographer but, from clicking around a bit, it just leads to more and more suspicious content.

This image from the second link above, https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/sweet-fresh-delicious-orange-fruit-1874601004, leads to:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/shaggysart

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/fatimomi

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Take_photo_byhabib

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/mrbabaraslam1

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Umamfals

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/vilculesemi02

The same oranges image is free to download from Pexels and Freepik, so I guess this has all become a free for all at our expense?

KuriousKat · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2023, 03:44 »

Sorry, I couldn't get the screenshot to attach above.

cobalt · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2023, 06:34 »

Interesting find.

I guess with the rise of ai a wave of new people are discovering stock and think if they download things from the internet they can upload and claim as their own.

None of mine in there, hope the agencies close these ports quickly.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2023, 07:11 »

The most frustrating part is that should you spot one of your images and send in a DCMA notice their legal team will remove those images and keep the remaining thieving port intact. Pointless.

Further to my depressing Pixabay / Pexels free-download experiment, I've spotted some of my pics pathetically trying to be licensed by thieves. Too bored to send in the notices for the reasons stated above.

It is indeed out of control.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2023, 07:27 »

As I've said a number of times, it is the agencies' responsibility to review content, for the protection of their customers (even if they don't give a toss about us as contributors). This is especially true with new portfolios - lots of the ones you posted had less than 100 in their portfolios.

I understand the agencies are trying to automate and cut the costs of the inspection process, but they're not doing a good job of that. They're fouling their own nests with this sort of short sighted cost cutting.

This struck me as funny (in a gallows humor sort of way). One of the people who stole your mushroom shot had apparently stolen other work and decided to add text to it (genius disguise, that...). Small problem in that he's too lazy to even add the greeting correctly.

KuriousKat · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2023, 07:42 »

Quote from: Jo Ann Snover on June 16, 2023, 07:27

As I've said a number of times, it is the agencies' responsibility to review content, for the protection of their customers (even if they don't give a toss about us as contributors). This is especially true with new portfolios - lots of the ones you posted had less than 100 in their portfolios.

I understand the agencies are trying to automate and cut the costs of the inspection process, but they're not doing a good job of that. They're fouling their own nests with this sort of short sighted cost cutting.

This struck me as funny (in a gallows humor sort of way). One of the people who stole your mushroom shot had apparently stolen other work and decided to add text to it (genius disguise, that...). Small problem in that he's too lazy to even add the greeting correctly.

Haha, that's funny, (as you say, in a gallows humour kind of way).

However, it does raise a question as to who is reviewing these images? Is it just a lazy reviewing letting this slip in, or is it all being done by a bot who can't spell?

cobalt · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2023, 08:45 »

That is very funny. The time it takes to change a stolen file, could be used to create new original content.

I wonder if there is a youtuber somewhere who tells people to do this, that if you change the fil,e it becomes yours or something.

Agencies should absolutely check newbies automatically for stolen images. Find them quickly and kick them out.

Word will go round that this is not accepted and less people will try it.

We now have ai, it must be possible to automate this.

KuriousKat · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2023, 09:36 »

Well it's going down a rabbit hole when you start looking.

From the 3rd portfolio I listed you get this nice image of spice:. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/ingredients-that-make-food-more-delicious-2177343579

There are two further identical similar images - one looks 100% legitimate, but the other leads to another suspect portfolio here:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/ItafAlam

I would have thought that the very fact he submitted a still life of spices as Editorial content would have at least caused a reviewer to pause, but apparently not.

The apple is also nice, (and from a free wallpaper site, as far as I can see): https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/elegant-cinematic-apple-picture-1926981776

Leads to 3 further portfolios on Shutterstock:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Hammadkhan-02 (He also has a portfolio on Adobe)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Lord+Era
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Professor+_86

KuriousKat · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2023, 05:37 »

Another thief:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/MeapleArts

blvdone · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2023, 05:43 »

Shutterstock seems a total haven for thieves. Shutterstock always suggests similar images or video clips, but somehow can't detect thieves uploading the same images or video clips. They should solve this problem.

DiscreetDuck · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2023, 08:25 »

Quote from: blvdone on June 19, 2023, 05:43

Shutterstock seems a total haven for thieves. Shutterstock always suggests similar images or video clips, but somehow can't detect thieves uploading the same images or video clips. They should solve this problem.

They earn the same money, from honest and thieves. They don't care, and spending time to solve this would be a lost of time, i.e. money.
I asked one time long time ago to remove my files sold by thieves, they did nothing at all. They don't care. I understood I had to forget and that it was better to ignore how much times my files were stolen. Because it's very demotivating. And I stopped looking at tineye and google image, because it's a nightmare, so many dishonest people.
I know I loose money, I dont' want to loose my time too. A kind of "Angels' Share" (lol?) and it's difficult to fight against...

KuriousKat · « **Reply #11 on:** June 19, 2023, 10:56 »

Quote from: DiscreetDuck on June 19, 2023, 08:25

Quote from: blvdone on June 19, 2023, 05:43
Shutterstock seems a total haven for thieves. Shutterstock always suggests similar images or video clips, but somehow can't detect thieves uploading the same images or video clips. They should solve this problem.
They earn the same money, from honest and thieves. They don't care, and spending time to solve this would be a lost of time, i.e. money.
I asked one time long time ago to remove my files sold by thieves, they did nothing at all. They don't care. I understood I had to forget and that it was better to ignore how much times my files were stolen. Because it's very demotivating. And I stopped looking at tineye and google image, because it's a nightmare, so many dishonest people.
I know I loose money, I dont' want to loose my time too. A kind of "Angels' Share" (lol?) and it's difficult to fight against...

Yes, they earn the same money, but there is plenty of 'honest' content and no need to sell stolen stuff. I find it hard to believe that Shutterstock would risk their credibility with customers by not jumping on this quickly when it comes to light.

DiscreetDuck · « **Reply #12 on:** June 19, 2023, 12:24 »

Quote from: KuriousKat on June 19, 2023, 10:56

Quote from: DiscreetDuck on June 19, 2023, 08:25
Quote from: blvdone on June 19, 2023, 05:43
Shutterstock seems a total haven for thieves. Shutterstock always suggests similar images or video clips, but somehow can't detect thieves uploading the same images or video clips. They should solve this problem.
They earn the same money, from honest and thieves. They don't care, and spending time to solve this would be a lost of time, i.e. money.
I asked one time long time ago to remove my files sold by thieves, they did nothing at all. They don't care. I understood I had to forget and that it was better to ignore how much times my files were stolen. Because it's very demotivating. And I stopped looking at tineye and google image, because it's a nightmare, so many dishonest people.
I know I loose money, I dont' want to loose my time too. A kind of "Angels' Share" (lol?) and it's difficult to fight against...

Yes, they earn the same money, but there is plenty of 'honest' content and no need to sell stolen stuff. I find it hard to believe that Shutterstock would risk their credibility with customers by not jumping on this quickly when it comes to light.

I'm talking about facts. And you?

KuriousKat · « **Reply #13 on:** June 19, 2023, 15:07 »

Quote from: DiscreetDuck on June 19, 2023, 12:24

Quote from: KuriousKat on June 19, 2023, 10:56
Quote from: DiscreetDuck on June 19, 2023, 08:25
Quote from: blvdone on June 19, 2023, 05:43
Shutterstock seems a total haven for thieves. Shutterstock always suggests similar images or video clips, but somehow can't detect thieves uploading the same images or video clips. They should solve this problem.
They earn the same money, from honest and thieves. They don't care, and spending time to solve this would be a lost of time, i.e. money.
I asked one time long time ago to remove my files sold by thieves, they did nothing at all. They don't care. I understood I had to forget and that it was better to ignore how much times my files were stolen. Because it's very demotivating. And I stopped looking at tineye and google image, because it's a nightmare, so many dishonest people.
I know I loose money, I dont' want to loose my time too. A kind of "Angels' Share" (lol?) and it's difficult to fight against...

Yes, they earn the same money, but there is plenty of 'honest' content and no need to sell stolen stuff. I find it hard to believe that Shutterstock would risk their credibility with customers by not jumping on this quickly when it comes to light.
I'm talking about facts. And you?

I've seen threads posted on here identifying suspect portfolios, and I've certainly seen action being taken to remove the offenders. I'm guessing a lot goes unidentified, but I would certainly expect a response if I was sending a DMCA regarding theft of my own images.

gnirtS · « **Reply #14 on:** August 12, 2023, 01:31 »

Here are some more:-

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/anuchaza
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Wilson23
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Imagediaries
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Super+Firoz
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Kobir+Ahemd
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Faruk+sk
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/yldoz
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/magicphotographer
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Take_photo_byhabib

Ultimately im more and more convinced we're seeing linked, multiple accounts from connected groups of people.

You find the same image displayed in several accounts, from there you jump to that account, uncover more sharing the same content etc.

As per the other night i looked at 1 account to kill 2 minutes and within 30 mins had uncovered 25 related accounts all with the same, stolen images.

Given the geographically small areas of these accounts, the re-use of stolen images, similar (awful) titling and keywords im getting more and more convinced its a large network operating.

What's more annoying is SS's own systems are literally displaying the problem in "similar images" yet they seemingly have no system to actually audit the DB on submission, or at a later date.

cobalt · « **Reply #15 on:** August 12, 2023, 03:22 »

The "similar images" should show the reviewer during inspection that this is a stolen file...if there is a human reviewer...

It probably is a connected gang. Or one person who keeps selling the stolen images alongside a "how to make easy money from Shutterstock" social media scam.

If they charge 10 dollars for the package, they will probably get thousands of desperate people trying to make money online.

Plus they use free credits to download each others files.

It should be fairly easy for Shutterstock to spot the crime and take it out, especially if they keep using the same stolen images.

Justanotherphotographer · « **Reply #16 on:** August 12, 2023, 04:19 »

I found loads of mine recently. I was really shocked, it felt like trawling through Etsy rather than SS.

Pacesetter · « **Reply #17 on:** August 12, 2023, 17:17 »

If you ever receive and answer a phone call from a scammer, you can often hear in the background an entire room of people talking, almost like a large team of telemarketers - except these are dedicated teams of tele-scammers. Their organisation's mission and purpose is to scam people of their money or bank savings from likely targets in wealthier countries.

I wonder what the job advert description for one of these positions is? 'We are looking to employ a further 3 professional scammers. Must have at least 5 years experience in scamming people over the phone and a track record of at least 5 monthly successful scams'.

See, there are full dedicated teams of scammers in countries where such practise is probably not illegal or regulated. They probably have organised teams for setting up accounts to sell stolen content and are piling on. One gets caught and taken down then another three accounts meanwhile are being created.

Have a DMCA notice or whatever email at the ready, edit and send through asap.

KimC · « **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2023, 14:31 »

Quote from: cobalt on August 12, 2023, 03:22

The "similar images" should show the reviewer during inspection that this is a stolen file...if there is a human reviewer...

Well, you could put it this way: The agency earns on the images no matter who actually took them. They are more keen on having happy shareholders, than happy contributors.

gnirtS · « **Reply #19 on:** August 14, 2023, 22:21 »

Quote from: KimC on August 13, 2023, 14:31

Quote from: cobalt on August 12, 2023, 03:22
The "similar images" should show the reviewer during inspection that this is a stolen file...if there is a human reviewer...

Well, you could put it this way: The agency earns on the images no matter who actually took them. They are more keen on having happy shareholders, than happy contributors.

You could also argue, cynically, that if the same image is available from level 1 contributors as well as the for example level 5 original author then sales from the level 1s benefit SS as they pay out far less commission.

The entire level system makes it far more beneficial to SS to spread sales out among lots of contributors at low levels than prioritise higher level accounts.

elliottcowand · « **Reply #20 on:** August 15, 2023, 09:09 »

Early on, I did reverse image searches and found a couple of illegal uses on commercial websites and got them to voluntarily remove them. It is an added effort I no longer care to make. Shooting, editing, getting rejected, reedit and resubmitting takes up enough time. Searching for my images on the web that are not there is an unprofitable endeavor. But finding my stolen images, trying to contact the thief and getting no positive outcome is an ego deflating proposition. I'm not going to hire an international lawyer over the loss of 10 cents.

waitingonthestuff · « **Reply #21 on:** August 31, 2023, 11:44 »

What sites are good at dealing with theft and who are not?

ole999 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 31, 2023, 14:45 »

Quote from: waitingonthestuff on August 31, 2023, 11:44

What sites are good at dealing with theft and who are not?

SS is certainly not ...!

waitingonthestuff · « **Reply #23 on:** August 31, 2023, 18:09 »

Shame

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Author Topic: Is theft now totally out of control? Check for your own images. (Read 3427 times)

KuriousKat

KuriousKat

cobalt

Brasilnut

Jo Ann Snover

KuriousKat

cobalt

KuriousKat

KuriousKat

blvdone

DiscreetDuck

KuriousKat

DiscreetDuck

KuriousKat

gnirtS

cobalt

Justanotherphotographer

Pacesetter

KimC

gnirtS

elliottcowand

waitingonthestuff

ole999

waitingonthestuff

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