Israeli Lawyer Details Copyright Risks for Posting Music on Social Media Reels
Recently, nine lawsuits were filed alleging copyright infringement related to the viral song "The Drone" created by 11-year-old Nir Krigel. Attorney Ariel Dovinsky, representing the child and his parents, clarified that the suits target business owners using the song to promote their ventures, not private individuals sharing videos for personal use. This legal action against some small businesses has sparked public criticism and anger. Dovinsky emphasized that regardless of the creator's age, copyright protections apply equally, especially when a business uses a creator's work without permission.
The cases remain pending in court, highlighting the importance of understanding copyright rules on social media to avoid costly lawsuits. Ynet compiled a guide with legal experts Neta Doron and Liat Galili-Perel, explaining that short videos known as reels or shorts, popular on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, often include background music that may infringe copyrights if used without authorization. Galili-Perel outlined that unauthorized copying, publishing, public performance, broadcasting, or derivative works can all constitute infringement, even if only a few seconds of a song are used.
Using music from social media libraries is not always free for business accounts, as many popular songs are restricted for commercial use. Doron stressed that paying for personal music streaming or crediting the artist does not grant legal rights to use the music in promotional videos. Even private posts can infringe copyrights if they publicly share protected works without a license. The law protects creators for 70 years after their death, and permissions must be sought from rights holders or their heirs.
Practical advice includes using original content, licensed works, or music from verified royalty-free libraries with clear commercial usage rights. Businesses and content creators should carefully verify usage terms and consider obtaining written permissions to avoid legal exposure. Lawsuits are typically pursued when unauthorized use causes economic harm or damages reputation, especially if infringement continues after warnings. Examples include unauthorized use of photos, music in marketing videos, or altered illustrations without consent.
This case and expert guidance underscore the complex legal landscape of copyright on social media and the need for awareness to prevent infringement claims.
