# External data (flickr)

**URL:** <https://community.drivendata.org/t/external-data-flickr/6676>\
**Category:** Image Similarity Challenge\
**Created:** [October 16, 2021, 11:06pm UTC](https://community.drivendata.org/t/external-data-flickr/6676 "2021-10-16T23:06:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![LexiBender](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/22d042/32.png) [@LexiBender](https://community.drivendata.org/u/LexiBender)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2021, 11:06pm UTC](https://community.drivendata.org/t/external-data-flickr/6676/1 "2021-10-16T23:06:35Z")

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We used a small subset of the FLICKR dataset to use it for augmentations (images overlaying and so on).  
Is it okay in terms of rules?

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**Author:** ![mike-dd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f0a364/32.png) [@mike-dd](https://community.drivendata.org/u/mike-dd)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2021, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.drivendata.org/t/external-data-flickr/6676/2 "2021-10-18T17:51:33Z")

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Hi @LexiBender,

Keep in mind the [competition rule](https://www.drivendata.org/competitions/79/competition-image-similarity-1-dev/page/376/#datause) about training on augmented reference images being prohibited.

If the Flickr subset you’re using includes images that are also in the reference set, then this would be prohibited. You’ll want to determine whether that’s the case. Or, if feasible, the safest option may be to exclude these images from your training.

You’ll also want to ensure any external data set for the competition is permitted under the data set’s license.

Thanks for asking. I hope this helps.