To Share or Not to Share

Navigating Copyright in the Digital Age: A Guide for Responsible Sharing on LinkedIn and Beyond

In today's digital world, the act of sharing information has become second nature, especially within professional networks like LinkedIn and communication platforms like WhatsApp. However, amidst this will to share the knowledge, "knowledge is power" , an important consideration is all-to-often overlooked: copyright.

Copyright isn't just a concern for legal experts; it's a fundamental skill necessary for active participation in the digital landscape. Whether it's text, images, sound, or any other form of creative content, someone owns it. Copyright education not only prevents legal troubles but also cultivates respect for creators' rights.

To Share or Not to Share:

When we share documents, articles, or any form of content online with the intention of benefiting our colleagues or teams, we must pause and consider the ownership of that content. It's easy to inadvertently infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights.

Sharing content is not always like giving away copies of the Bible, Quran, or any other religious book to evangelize your message. Understanding Copyright:

Don't become an Accidental Pirates:

Surprisingly, many individuals are unaware of what constitutes copyright infringement. Research suggests that a significant portion of people may be unintentionally violating copyright laws. Education campaigns play a vital role in raising awareness about the consequences of piracy and promoting responsible behavior online.

The Cost of Sharing:

Sharing content without authorization not only risks legal repercussions but also undermines the hard work of creators. Purchased documents are meant for individual access, not distribution. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn have specific copyright policies that users must adhere to.

LinkedIn's Copyright Policy:

Copyright Policy (linkedin.com)

LinkedIn offers well thoughtout guidelines for sharing content within its platform. While sharing links is generally acceptable, users must ensure they're not infringing on copyright laws. It's also essential to consider the platform's algorithm, engagement rates, and visibility when sharing external content.

Other Platforms

It’s generally acceptable to share a link to a LinkedIn post on WhatsApp or any other platform. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Respect for Other People's Intellectual Property: Always ensure that the content you’re sharing is not infringing on any copyright laws.
2. LinkedIn’s Algorithm: LinkedIn’s algorithm favors content that keeps users engaged within the platform. While it may be tempting to include links to external content within your post, doing so can significantly restrict your post’s reach.
3. Engagement: Re-shares typically get about 10 to 15 percent fewer views than other forms of engagement. People are also less likely to comment on a re-share.
4. Visibility: With visibility comes responsibility. If you have a link that you want to share, make sure to place the link in the first comment of your post to avoid being penalized.
5. "honor among thieves": if you share information that does not belong to you, there will be little respect for you and the damage to your personal image will be very challenging to restore. People do not respect those who use others' content to merely monetize themselves.

Respect the Original Creator:

Ultimately, it's important to respect the wishes and rights of the original content creator. Always seek permission before sharing content if you're unsure about its copyright status. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines of the platform where you intend to share content.

Follow these simple principles:

1. Understanding Copyright: Emphasize the importance of copyright education in the digital age to prevent legal issues and foster respect for creators' rights.
2. Responsible Sharing Practices: Highlight the need to pause and consider ownership before sharing content online, as well as the risks of inadvertently infringing on intellectual property rights.
3. Awareness of Copyright Infringement: Discuss the prevalence of unintentional copyright infringement and the role of education campaigns in raising awareness about responsible behavior online.
4. Legal and Ethical Implications: Address the legal and ethical consequences of sharing content without authorization, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights of creators.
5. Platform-Specific Guidelines: Provide guidance on adhering to copyright policies on platforms like LinkedIn, including tips for maximizing engagement while avoiding copyright infringement.
6. Maintaining Integrity: Stress the importance of upholding ethical standards in online sharing, including seeking permission before sharing content and respecting the original creator's wishes.
7. Call to Action: Encourage readers to review their own sharing practices, educate others about copyright, and actively promote responsible sharing behavior online.