So I wanted to run a contest where amateurs could enter and the winner takes $100.00 Can I legally do this? The contest is for a blog with no explicit content or nudity on it. I do have an affiliate where some images go to that site. But I need to know if it is legal for me to give out a cash prize in exchange for non nude or semi nude pictures to post on the blog? I have all of the disclaimers that the user must agree to during the sign up process. Do I need anything else?
Where are you located? State laws typically apply to contests. There are certain levels of contest regulated (ie, prizes worth over $1,500) Of course the internet complicates things somewhat since people are coming from everywhere. EnricoSchaefer
You should be fine. Its when you start giving away large amounts of money you should consider taking a closer look at your local laws. Nobody is going to bother with you over $100. Not even $1000. There tons of contests happening every minute online.
There are other legal issues presented by his plan other than just a contest. He is seeking people to submit "semi nude" pictures. There are potential problems if a minor were to submit photos, there are potential problems if someone where to submit a photo of another person. It is not just an issue of legality of the price money awarded.
You need some kind of mechanism to assure that the submitters only submit their own work. You could get into trouble with copyright infringement if people submit images they don't have the rights to from Flickr or other web sites.
I can't imagine it's that big of deal.. You need a disclaimer, of course. I would say to consult a lawyer to be safe.