Google Images is one of the most important tools from Mountain View, but its popularity brings an extra layer of legal complexity. Recently, Google reached an agreement with Getty Images that lets it continue indexing the agency's photos, but the sacrifice that sealed the pact was the removal of the 'View Image' button. The next step for users is to restore that button somehow, or use the browser's context menu to emulate its function.
The Deal with Getty Images
Tensions between Getty Images and Google date back at least to April 2016. The agency visited courts in the United States and Europe to present its case, which essentially boils down to 'the indexing of our images robs us of profits'. The simple idea of a nuclear exchange between the two giants is disturbing, but earlier this month, Getty announced a special agreement, which includes a global license that will last for several years. Good news? Not really. Apparently, one of the conditions requires Google to modify Google Images features, starting with the removal of the 'View Image' button. Google spokespeople indicated that the decision seeks to 'establish a balance' between user needs and publisher concerns... but the conclusion from the web is very different: Google backed off and placed the (highly questioned) rights of an editor above the rest.
How to See Full-Size Images Again
From this point, users need to adapt a bit. The images that appear in Google Images are still loaded via hotlink, so anyone who wants to see them in full size only has to right-click and choose 'View Image' (Firefox) or 'Open image in a new tab' (Chrome). If that is inconvenient, there is also the option of an extension compatible with Chrome and Firefox simply called 'View Image'. Once installed, the button will return to its place.
Yes, the whole situation has a certain absurd tint, and although it seems incredible, it’s not the first time Getty Images has been involved in something like this. One of the most publicized cases was that of Carol Highsmith, a photographer who donated tens of thousands of images to the public domain, and Getty sent her a bill for $120 for using her own photos on a personal site. With a bit of luck, nothing will change for most users, but if the Google-Getty agreement sets a precedent, Google Images could keep mutating.
