[SOLVED] Why this is happening??

Question

Recently, one of my sololearn friend informed me about my profile is being reported at this thread:
https://www.sololearn.com/Discuss/524028/?ref=app
Just because im using Bill Gates photo in my profile pic, tell me is it wrong on sololearn?? If yes, ok i have changed my profile pic already, but if no, tell me what actions should i take against such kind of person reporting me like that?? I don't harm anyone here, so why im being targeted like that, please tell me!

Note for moderators:
Please help me by giving me answers, and if u edit anything in this question, tell me what was wrong in my question, down in the comments.

Thanks in advance to everyone!

Answer 1

Just using a profile picture is not an issue. When you start using the avatar alongside username it can be considered impersonation and we may ask you to change(via DM).

This is the dictionary definition of impersonation as pulled from wordnik[1]:

1. The act of impersonating; personification; investment with personality; representation in a personal form.
2. imitating the mannerisms of another person
3. a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect
4. pretending to be another person`

About people reporting you: It appears it was done by a poster who is not aware about the actual rules. A mod should not take any action just because you were reported. Only when it was/is something that breaks the guidelines do we take action if any, or warn/inform when necessary.
Hope this helps clear things for you.

1. https://www.wordnik.com/words/impersonation

Answer 2

Plz answer Lord Krishna Gordon

Answer 3

No , You can use Bill gates photo in your account like me I am using Sundar Pichai photo in my profile.

Answer 4

ＭＯＨＡＮ👨‍💻 I understand, your concern, i saw a report yesterday, of profile named 'Elon Musk' he also have a profile picture of Elon Musk
And I don't think it's any problem in using name and profile, it doesn't mean Those profiles users wanted to setup a fake account, It's just they admire them, and that's what the fandom is all about.

Second thing , they are public figures, note the word "Public" by this it means they don't have any reasonable expectation of privacy for their photos, otherwise why would people create fan clubs

BUT, Still the bigger question is where are you using those images and for what purpose, like here in sololearn if the Sololearn policy says no copyright content can be used or displayed in any sort of means, THEN it is illegal to use..

AS of you see the policy of Instagram and other social sites, they say every photos and images are accessible as long as the public figure himself doesn't have a problem.

So u may now understand Why it is not right to use on Sololearn specifically

Answer 5

ＭＯＨＡＮ👨‍💻 I don't think there's any issue keeping profile picture of a profound personality... Moderators, if you are seeing this comment, kindly take care of such issues...

Answer 6

ＭＯＨＡＮ👨‍💻 There is no any Rule. There are lots of people who use their ideal Person Pics...

Answer 7

people are going crazy.... how can they report only for a profile picture that has no copyright and i think there is no rule in sololearn that nobody can use any celebrities or other profile picture.

Answer 8

This is strange.How could someone do that just because of a profile picture? I haven't ever reported anyone before so I have no idea about the proceedure through which its been done and I'm really sure it's not a one tap process. I still don't understand why this is happening : the reporter needs to be questioned..

Answer 9

I think you should contact developer

Answer 10

That's wrong..

This is strange.How could someone do that just because of a profile picture?May be if you also have used the name then it may have seemed ok to me, but this not.

I haven't ever reported anyone before so I have no idea about the proceedure through which its been done and I'm really sure it's not a one tap process.

I still don't understand why this is happening : the reporter needs to be questioned..

And before reporting you should first DM the person.

Also reporting without any information about the rules and regulations is also wrong.

Happy coding </>
Have a technical day....

Answer 11

C'mon there's no rules in SL against one using famous people as your dp.......I think the reporter don't know that and he should be queried queried .

Answer 12

Mirielle I didn't said you can use however you want, It is clearly mentioned that the purpose of use should not defame them,

"In the context of defamation actions (libel and slander) as well as invasion of privacy, a public figure cannot succeed in a lawsuit on incorrect harmful statements in the United States unless there is proof that the writer or publisher acted with actual malice by knowing the falsity or by reckless disregard for the truth."

and this Libel Law may vary country to country.

Answer 13

I don't have any knowledge regarding to this scenario but, I don't think is an offence using Billgate's photo as your profile picture... #StayHomeStaySave

Answer 14

Lord Krishna Just adding a comment..
Impersonation occurs when person 'i' makes an impression they are person 'j'. Using name of say sundar pichai and using his photo may not necessarily mean impersonation. Rather say using Lord Krishna name along with your dp may be impersonation depending on intent.

As even impersonating bill gates or such is not a harmful offence, strict preventive measure isn't required.

And I'm not sure but anything on public domain without explicit copyright/ license grants everyone to use it. Do eg news editors ask for permission before posting a photo of pm?

@'reporters' I suggest to refrain from reporting these lame issues (just for fame?), mods do have much more serious things to do to keep us safe.
thank you

Answer 15

Lord Krishna Impersonation- Changing current features to be like someone else

Was not googled

Answer 16

In short, you can have your Bill Gates pic back

Answer 17

If you want to use an image that isn’t yours you must first obtain permission to use it—whether through a license or the person directly. If you request permission and it’s granted, keep a record on hand for future reference.

When someone shares an image on a public account, that doesn’t make it public domain. That person still own the copyright.

Furthermore, why would you portrait someone else. Be you and don’t feel shy to show your good self. You’re unique and be proud of yourself.

If you own a business and you use your company’s logo as the avatar, that’s called branding and is completely fine.

Answer 18

ＭＯＨＡＮ👨‍💻 it's not spamming, sort of debate, and Mirielle it's understandable, no offence taken, although, it was a kind of funny, you just proved my point 😅😅😅

Answer 19

using the face of someone else us wrong ... remember just be yourself don’t use other people faces...! 😂💪🏼👏🏼🤓

Answer 20

I dont understand why would people think using Bill Gates’s picture on profile is wrong, but i beleive that using your own picture as avatar may much better