The Wikipedia Photo Wars: Why Artists Are Fighting for Control of Their Online Image
The internet is a visual medium and for musicians, a current, flattering Wikipedia photo is crucial. But a recent wave of complaints from artists like Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) and Zara Larsson highlights a frustrating reality: maintaining control over one’s image on the world’s largest online encyclopedia is surprisingly difficult. Hadreas took to X (formerly Twitter) this week to plead for an update to his outdated photo, while Larsson is engaged in an ongoing battle with a rogue editor.
The Problem with Wikipedia Photos
Artist photos on Wikipedia are often years out of date, unflattering, or simply don’t reflect the artist’s current aesthetic. This can be particularly damaging for musicians who rely on their image as part of their brand. The issue stems from Wikipedia’s open-editing policy, which, while fostering collaboration, also allows anyone to upload and change images. While some pages are “extended confirmed protected” – requiring 500 edits or administrator assistance to change – many remain vulnerable to unwanted alterations.
Why Does This Happen?
Several factors contribute to the problem. Some editors may simply be unaware of the importance of current imagery. Others may have different aesthetic preferences or even intentionally try to sabotage an artist’s page. The licensing requirements for images on Wikipedia can also be a barrier, as only freely licensed photos can be used. This means artists need to either capture the photos themselves or obtain explicit permission from the photographer.
Taking Back Control: How to Update Your Wikipedia Photo
Fortunately, We find several ways artists (or their dedicated fans) can attempt to update a Wikipedia photo. Each method requires adherence to specific guidelines to ensure the image is accepted.
Leveraging Social Media
Posting a suitable picture on platforms like Instagram, X, or Facebook, accompanied by a licensing statement, is a straightforward approach. Using the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International licence (CC BY-SA 4.0) or Creative Commons Zero Public Domain Dedication 1.0 ensures proper attribution and usage rights.
Direct Submission via Email
Submitting a suitable picture directly to [email protected], along with a copyright ownership statement and licensing agreement, is another option. The copyright holder (usually the photographer) must provide the necessary release statement if the artist didn’t take the photo themselves.
Utilizing Wikimedia Commons
Creating a Wikimedia Commons account allows for direct image uploading. Users can upload, crop, and caption images, then integrate them into the artist’s Wikipedia page by editing the “Infobox musical artist” section and replacing the existing image file name. Remember to include an edit summary explaining the change.
Requesting Changes on the Talk Page
The “Talk” page on an artist’s Wikipedia entry provides a forum for requesting photo edits. Linking to a suitable image online, confirming copyright ownership, and including a licensing agreement can prompt assistance from other Wikipedia users.
The Future of Artist Representation Online
The struggles of artists like Perfume Genius and Zara Larsson highlight a growing need for better tools and processes for managing online representation. As Wikipedia continues to be a primary source of information for millions, ensuring accurate and up-to-date imagery is crucial. The current system, while well-intentioned, often leaves artists feeling powerless against outdated or unflattering depictions.
Did you realize?
Wikipedia’s extended confirmed protection feature, designed to prevent vandalism, can ironically make it *harder* for artists to update their own pages.
Pro Tip:
Always prioritize freely licensed images. Taking a high-quality photo yourself is often the easiest way to ensure control over your Wikipedia representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a “freely licensed” image?
A: A freely licensed image is one that can be used by anyone for any purpose, as long as proper attribution is given (depending on the license). Common licenses include CC BY-SA 4.0 and CC0.
Q: Can I just upload any photo I find online?
A: No. You must have the copyright to the image or explicit permission from the copyright holder.
Q: What if someone keeps changing my photo back to an old one?
A: If the page is extended confirmed protected, you’ll need to request assistance from a high-level Wiki user or administrator.
Q: Is it possible to get a Wikipedia page created for me?
A: Wikipedia has specific notability guidelines. If you meet those guidelines, you can request a page be created, but it’s not guaranteed.
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