This seems to fall under the public domain. Regardless of what the White House says, Federal Statutes will prevail. Here, the statutes say that works of the Federal Government are not subject to copyright. Criticism and personal or non-commercial uses are likely not going to be brought to a halt by the action of the White House on FLICKR.
Instead, the White House is asking people not to suggest false sponsorship while using the pictures. This is more of a trademark cause of action that the White House is asserting. They have every right to do this.
Slashdot says: "This change appears to be a heavy-handed response to last month's controversy resulting from a billboard that implied the President endorsed The Weatherproof Garmet Co." Seems to be a clear cut assertion of trademark rights.
Slashdot Mirror
This seems to fall under the public domain. Regardless of what the White House says, Federal Statutes will prevail. Here, the statutes say that works of the Federal Government are not subject to copyright. Criticism and personal or non-commercial uses are likely not going to be brought to a halt by the action of the White House on FLICKR. Instead, the White House is asking people not to suggest false sponsorship while using the pictures. This is more of a trademark cause of action that the White House is asserting. They have every right to do this. Slashdot says: "This change appears to be a heavy-handed response to last month's controversy resulting from a billboard that implied the President endorsed The Weatherproof Garmet Co." Seems to be a clear cut assertion of trademark rights.