Can You Use Someone’s Instagram Video Without Permission? -The Nora Danish Case

     



Can You Use Someone’s Instagram Video Without Permission? -The Nora Danish Case


Let’s discuss an incident that occurred with Malaysian actress Nora Danish in 2018. She posted a short video of herself on her Instagram Story, just like many of us do every day. But then, something unexpected happened.

A media company called Hurr.tv took that video and used it in one of their promotional videos without first asking Nora. That video was shared on their own platform to promote their content. Nora didn’t give them permission to use her video, and she wasn’t okay with it.

So, what did she do? Nora took legal action. She got her lawyers to send a formal letter (called a “letter of demand”) to Hurr.tv. She asked them to stop using the video, apologise to her, and give her some compensation.

Although this case didn’t go all the way to court, it became a major topic in the media. Many people started to ask: Is it okay to use other people’s videos or pictures from Instagram?

So, What Does the Law Say?

In Malaysia, the Copyright Act 1987 protects creative work. This includes videos, photos, music, artwork, and even writing. The moment you create something original and record it in some form (like posting it online), you automatically get copyright protection. You don’t have to register it.

This means:

  • Nora automatically owned the rights to her Instagram video

  • Hurr.tv needed her permission before using it, especially for a business purpose

Just because something is online does not mean anyone can use it however they like.

What Can You Learn From This?

Here are three simple takeaways for creators and anyone who uses social media:

1. Just because something is on Instagram doesn’t mean it’s free to use.
Even if you can download or screenshot it, it still belongs to the person who made it.

2. If you want to use someone’s video, always ask for permission first.
Especially if you are using it for business, school projects, or public sharing.

3. Your content is protected, too.

If someone takes your work without asking, you have the right to speak up and take action under the law.

Outcome of the Nora Danish vs Hurr.tv Case: 

The case did not go to court. Instead, it was handled privately after Nora Danish's legal team sent a letter of demand to Hurr.tv. 
Here's what we know: 

1. Nora's team asked Hurr.tv to stop using the video, apologised and offered compensation

2. Hurr. TV reportedly removed the video after receiving the legal letter. 

3. There was no official public apology or court judgement, and both parties kept things low-key after that. 

So, while we don’t have full details of any settlement or agreement, the situation was resolved quietly, which is very common in copyright disputes involving public figures.


Final Thoughts

The Nora Danish case serves as a timely reminder that copyright law remains relevant, even in the digital age of social media. Whether you are an influencer, a student making videos, or just someone posting for fun, your content is your property.

Always give credit, always ask for permission, and respect other people’s work, just like you’d want them to respect yours.


Alya Maryana Binti Mahayuddin 

1211101397


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