If an image on the internet has no visible copyright notice, what should a student do before using it?

When an image on the internet lacks a visible copyright notice, the safest and most responsible action to take is to assume it is copyrighted. Copyright law generally protects original works of authorship, and the absence of a notice does not imply that the work is free to use. In many countries, including the United States, copyright exists from the moment of creation, regardless of whether the creator has placed a notice on the work.

Assuming that a work is copyrighted -- which is typically the case unless proven otherwise -- prevents potential legal issues or infringement claims that could arise from using the image without permission. In this context, being cautious by assuming copyright protects not only the rights of the creator but also the user from potential lawsuits.

Checking for artist approval, using the image freely, or using it with credit may seem reasonable, but they do not adequately account for copyright laws. Permission is often required to use any copyrighted material, regardless of its visibility or acknowledgment. Thus, the best practice is to assume copyright applies and to seek permission if you wish to use the image.