Wikimedia's free photo database of artworks violates copyright, court rules

Wikimedia claims Swedish court decision means tourists who take selfies at famous landmarks and spread them online could be in violation of law

Sweden's highest court on Monday found Wikimedia Sweden guilty of violating copyright laws by providing free access to its database of artwork photographs without the artists' consent.

Wikimedia, part of the not-for-profit foundation which oversees Wikipedia among other online resources, has a database of royalty-free photographs that can be used by the public, for educational purposes or the tourism industry.