Facebook may have to stop automatically removing picture metadata, at least in Germany, now that it has lost a lawsuit filed by a photographer. The social network removes EXIF data from photos when they’re uploaded. According to this lawsuit, that practice violates copyright law.
Hendrik Wieduwilt, the lawyer and photographer at the center of this case, believes it could have international implications. He doubts Facebook would exclusively change its policy in Germany, meaning it may stop removing EXIF data around the world.
This is good for photographers since it makes it easier for them to pursue copyright infringement. And since it is technically unlikely that Facebook will create a technical solution only for Germany, this might have global consequences, – Wieduwilt
EXIF data includes camera settings info and other data. It can include optional copyright information. Normally, the data isn’t separated from a picture, regardless of it being uploaded or copied.
