How can you protect your writing online?

1 Use copyright notices

One of the simplest ways to protect your writing online is to add a copyright notice to your web pages, blog posts, ebooks, or other digital content. A copyright notice consists of the symbol ©, the year of publication, and the name of the owner. For example, © 2021 John Smith. This notice informs readers that you own the rights to your work and that they cannot copy, reproduce, or distribute it without your permission.

2 Register your work

Another way to protect your writing online is to register it with a reputable organization that can provide you with legal proof of ownership and help you enforce your rights in case of infringement. For example, you can register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office, the Writers Guild of America, or the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) agency. Registering your work may require a fee, but it can also give you more leverage and credibility in case of a dispute.

3 Use plagiarism checkers

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's words or ideas without giving them proper credit. It can damage your reputation, lower your ranking, and expose you to legal risks. To avoid plagiarism, you should always cite your sources and use quotation marks when quoting directly. You should also use plagiarism checkers to scan your writing for any potential matches or similarities with other online content. Some examples of plagiarism checkers are Copyscape, Grammarly, and Turnitin.

4 Use digital watermarks

A digital watermark is a hidden or visible mark that identifies the owner or creator of a digital file. It can be a logo, a text, a code, or a signature that is embedded in the file. A digital watermark can help you protect your writing online by making it harder for others to copy, modify, or remove your work. It can also help you track and monitor your work across the web. Some examples of digital watermarking tools are Digimarc, iWatermark, and Watermarkly.

5 Use encryption and passwords

Encryption is the process of converting data into a secret code that can only be accessed by authorized parties. Passwords are secret words or phrases that are used to verify the identity of the user. Encryption and passwords can help you protect your writing online by preventing unauthorized access, copying, or tampering with your files. You can use encryption and passwords to secure your email attachments, cloud storage, online platforms, or websites. Some examples of encryption and password tools are ProtonMail, Dropbox, WordPress, and LastPass.

6 Use licenses and contracts

Licenses and contracts are legal agreements that define the terms and conditions of how your writing can be used, shared, or modified by others. Licenses and contracts can help you protect your writing online by clarifying your rights and obligations, setting boundaries and limitations, and resolving conflicts and disputes. You can use licenses and contracts to grant or deny permission, request payment or attribution, or specify warranties or liabilities. Some examples of licenses and contracts are Creative Commons, Freelance Writing Agreement, and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?