The web is built on links, and pointing to a page is generally a normal activity. Still, copyright law touches online sharing in ways many people do not expect. This guide gives a general overview. It is not legal advice, and rules differ between countries.
Linking versus copying
A link is a reference, like a note that says “this is where you can find it”. Copying is making another version of the work itself, such as re-uploading a video or pasting a full article. In many places, simply linking to a lawfully published page is considered acceptable, while copying someone’s work without permission is not.
When a link can cause problems
- The link leads to a copy that was uploaded without the owner’s permission, for example pirated films, books or software.
- The link bypasses a paywall or a licence, giving access to paid content for free.
- You knowingly promote a source of infringing material.
Even when the file is hosted elsewhere, knowingly spreading access to infringing content can create liability for you and may lead to your account being closed.
Share lawfully: a short checklist
- Link to the official source whenever possible.
- If you made the content yourself, you may share it freely.
- If it has a licence, such as Creative Commons, follow the licence terms and give credit.
- If you are not sure about the rights, ask the owner or do not share.
What a link service should do
A responsible service does not host your files and does not allow pirated or illegal material. It publishes clear rules, answers copyright complaints and removes links that break them. Our own rules are in the Terms of Use, and the process for rights holders is on the DMCA Copyright page.
If you are a rights holder
If someone shares your work without permission, collect the exact address of the link, a description of the work and proof that you own the rights. Then send a notice to the service. Under laws such as the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a notice should include specific details; our DMCA page lists them. Services that act quickly on valid notices help keep the web fair for creators.
If your link was removed
If you believe a removal was a mistake, contact the service with an explanation. Keep proof that you have the right to share the material. Polite, clear evidence usually resolves issues faster than argument.
Examples: usually fine and usually risky
These examples are general illustrations, not legal advice, and the rules differ from country to country.
- Usually fine: Linking to an article on the publisher’s own website, sharing a link to your own work, or sharing a file that the owner has clearly made free to share.
- Usually risky: Linking to a copy of a film, book or paid course that someone uploaded without permission, or sharing a file that you know was leaked.
- Needs a closer look: A file offered “for personal use only”, a document marked confidential, or anything where the licence is unclear.
Understand licences before you share
Many creators publish work under an open licence, such as one of the Creative Commons licences, which tell you what others may do. Some allow sharing only with credit, some forbid commercial use, and some forbid changes. Read the licence on the original page and follow it. When no licence is stated, assume that normal copyright applies and that you need permission for anything beyond ordinary linking.
Give credit and link to the source
Even when sharing is allowed, naming the creator and linking to the original page is good practice. It sends people to the source, respects the author’s work, and lets readers judge the quality of what they are about to open.
Keep your own records
If you share material for a class, a client or a community, keep a short note of where it came from and why you may share it. A saved email giving permission, or a screenshot of the licence, can settle a question quickly if someone asks later. If a rights holder contacts you, respond calmly, remove the link while you check, and ask for details. Our DMCA page explains how reports are handled on this service.
Teachers, bloggers and small businesses
Some groups share links more often than others, and each has its own typical traps. Teachers often want to hand out articles, worksheets or videos; the safest route is to link to the publisher’s page or to material with a clear open licence, rather than uploading copies. Bloggers should link to sources and quote only short passages with credit, not copy whole articles. Small businesses should check that images, fonts and music on their pages are licensed for commercial use before they link or embed them. In every case, a few minutes of checking the source is cheaper than dealing with a complaint later.
A sensible habit
Ask yourself before sharing: “Would the owner be fine with this?” If the answer is no, or you are unsure, choose another source. Respecting creators is both the safest and the kindest approach, and it keeps your accounts in good standing.