Visual China Group controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
Demand for image usage fees from photographer himself sparks copyright licensing dispute
In August 2023, photographer Dai Jianfeng publicly said that Visual China demanded compensation for his use of photos he had taken himself, sparking controversy over the copyright agency authorization chain and rights-protection model. Visual China said there was an authorization and communication misunderstanding; Jiemian reported that the images in question were later taken down. The cited reports did not provide a final ruling that fraud or infringement was established.
2019
Disputed copyright claims involving the black-hole image
Visual China was criticized after listing the first image of the Messier 87 supermassive black hole for sale, although the image was made available under a Creative Commons licence and was not owned by the company. Subsequent users identified other disputed listings, including logos and public-symbol imagery. Tianjin authorities ordered corrective action, and Visual China said it removed non-compliant photographs and voluntarily closed its website for an overhaul.
2019
Authorities order Vision China and IC Photo to stop and rectify services
Ban or restriction
The Cyberspace Administration of China directed local cyberspace authorities to interview the persons responsible for Vision China's and IC Photo's websites over alleged violations involving internet news information services and cooperation with overseas enterprises, and ordered both websites to stop the violations and conduct comprehensive rectification.
Source excerpt
针对视觉中国网站和IC photo网站违规从事互联网新闻信息服务、违规与境外企业开展涉及互联网新闻信息服务业务的合作等问题，国家网信办指导天津网信办会同江苏网信办、北京网信办约谈视觉中国网站负责人，指导上海网信办约谈IC photo网站负责人，责令两家网站立即停止违法违规行为，全面彻底整改。