What is the ruling on destroying or concealing images of animate beings found in books and magazines?

Scholars have differed concerning the ruling on photographic images. Some have deemed them forbidden due to the generality of the hadiths prohibiting images, while others have permitted them, considering them to be mere captured shadows, not actual depictions. It appears that a Muslim is not obligated to destroy what is found in newspapers, magazines, and books, given their widespread prevalence. As for hand-drawn images, the preponderant view among scholars is that they are forbidden. Therefore, it is obligatory to change them if they depict a living being.