The company that operates ``NewsPicks'', which distributes economic news on smartphone apps, has apologized for copyright infringement such as using photos, images, and illustrations of articles from newspaper companies and TV stations without permission.
According to Userbase, which operates NewsPicks, last fall, the Japan Newspaper Association pointed out that photos and headlines of newspaper articles were being used without permission on apps and sites.
As a result of confirming this matter, we found that photos, images, and illustrations of some newspapers, television stations, and other articles published since the service started in 2013 are subject to ``minor use'', which is recognized as being able to be used without permission under copyright law. It was concluded that there had been a copyright violation, including exceeding the scope of ``.
Meanwhile, we will continue to examine the use of article headlines to see if they constitute copyright infringement.
"Userbase" informed the Japan Newspaper Association of this conclusion and posted on its website on the 29th, "We acknowledge that there has been a violation of the rights of some news organizations and media, and we sincerely apologize. We will comply with compliance and cooperate with our partners. We will work to strengthen our system to build better relationships with media companies."
We will gradually take down images that infringe on copyright, and will also discuss compensation with each company.