Right Click an NFT - Can You Right Click Save an NFT?
One of the main arguments of NFTs is the proof of ownership. Yes, many NFTs are essentially just GIFs or JPGs to name a few, so what’s the difference between actually shelling out crypto and purchasing the NFT and just right-clicking an NFT to download it? The proof is in the blockchain technology, which is what NFTs are built on.
Real NFT Ownership VS Right-Click Save
When you purchase an NFT legitimately, the transaction is done on the blockchain with proof of ownership via a smart contract. The actual NFT is then stored on the blockchain, or you can keep it in your digital wallets. When you right-click NFTs, you can view it similarly to pirating.
Let’s take Bored Apes for example. By right-clicking, yes, you get the image, and you can maybe even use it around the Internet. The difference is you never really own the NFT. Just like pirated music, you don’t own it and in doing so you are not supporting the creator.
Not only is proof of ownership in the coding, but many NFT projects offer exclusive perks or access to events or activities you will definitely not be able to enjoy by just right-clicking.
Yes, if you like the photo and you want to appreciate the art without any of the benefits attached to it, then sure, right-click saving may be for you – but there could be repercussions.
Is It Illegal?
The biggest consequence on people’s minds would be legal repercussions to right-click saving an NFT. In short, right-clicking an NFT for personal enjoyment, such as just admiring the art, is legal. However, once you start to use the image for commercial purposes, then the NFT creator, owner and the law could come down on you.
The thought of right-clicking on the latest NFT Drops is exactly what the NFT world is working to dispel with proof of ownership that is indisputable. We understand that part of the reason why some people are still apprehensive about investing in digital art on a blockchain is because of the right-click mentality.
Prevention Against Right-Click Saving
As an NFT owner, we understand that you probably don’t want someone right-click saving what you paid for, and using it on display like as a profile picture on social media. If it isn’t for commercial use, owners can’t really claim copyright infringement if someone uses an image as a profile picture, because you can technically do so with images you find on the web, like the NFT.
Some social media platforms, like Twitter, which is one of the top platforms for crypto talk and NFTs, possibly working on a solution. The social media giant is looking to integrate NFT profile pictures into its system, where you can only upload them if you actually own them by connecting your digital wallet and uploading the image from there.
Twitter will also differentiate a regular profile picture from a true NFT image due to the shape of the display. Regular profile pics on the platform are a perfect circle, but true NFT images will be hexagonal.
FAQ
• What happens if you right click an NFT?
You can save it like a regular file if you right-click an NFT. However, there may be legal consequences if you use the image for profit or commercial purposes. While the owner of the NFT may not own the copyright to the image, the creator does and it is the creator that will need to take legal action.
• Is it illegal to copy an NFT?
No, it is not illegal to copy an NFT. It is illegal to use it for personal gain, profit and commercial purposes. While the NFT itself may not be protected by copyright laws, the artwork may be. The owner of the artwork is the creator (not owner), which is why it’s difficult for the owner to take legal action.
Conclusion
Right-click saving is instinctual for many people who come across something they see and like on the internet. As of this point, it is fine to do that with NFTs, as long as you are not misusing the images. Some social media platforms are mobilizing to combat the unfair use of NFT images as profile pictures with NFT integration into their systems.