When the media use the term "File Photo" what does that mean?

Question

When browsing some headlines on an online news-site, I noticed a small photo attached to a story of a person's hand holding the bowser pump as they put petrol into their car. The associated text said "file photo." Now I assume that covers the media legally so that no one is supposed to think that the photo was taken especially for the story? Or does it mean it's just photo that they have on file and isn't covered by copyright?
or something else?
thanks in advance.

Answer 1

As far as I can understand, a file photo is a stock photo that is always available to be pulled up and used when appropriate for an article or story.