Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
Etsy updates AI rules as sellers question how they will be enforced
Etsy has updated its rules for AI-generated products after users criticised the marketplace over AI-made listings.
The global platform now requires sellers to include at least one unedited photo of many items against a real background, though some products without visual elements are exempt.
AI-generated recipes and crochet patterns are banned, and listings for non-AI versions must show a real result.
Etsy still permits AI-generated art when sellers play a clear creative role and explain their process.
The changes followed a case involving Hobart crochet artist Lucy Cooper, whose spiral beanie pattern was copied in an AI-generated listing.
Six days after Etsy announced its changes, Cooper found another listing offering an AI-generated version of her pattern, with all eight images also made by AI.
Etsy's new reporting option will not trigger immediate enforcement, and Cooper says the rules rely too much on sellers being honest.
Etsy has updated its artificial intelligence policies after users criticised AI-generated products on the marketplace.
The changes include requiring at least one unedited photo of an item against a real background, with some exceptions.
Etsy has also banned AI-generated functional guides such as recipes and crochet patterns.
Hobart-based crochet artist Lucy Cooper says she found another AI-generated copy of her beanie pattern listed on Etsy after the policy update.
Etsy says a new reporting option will help it understand concerns about potentially misleading AI-generated images, but reports will not trigger immediate enforcement action.
- Who
- Etsy and sellers using its marketplace, including crochet artist Lucy Cooper.
- What
- Etsy updated its AI policies, including new image requirements and a ban on AI-generated functional guides.
- When
- Etsy announced the update six days before Cooper found a listing published on October 28.
- Where
- Etsy’s online marketplace; Cooper is based in Hobart, Australia.
- Why
- Etsy said it has a responsibility to protect buyer trust after criticism from users over AI-generated products.
Etsy
Lucy Cooper
Policy response
Etsy
Etsy says it has updated its rules, introduced clearer restrictions and added a reporting option for potentially misleading AI-generated images.
Lucy Cooper
Cooper says the changes rely too much on sellers acting honestly and do not stop copies of her work appearing on the platform.
Enforcement
Etsy
Etsy says reports will help it understand how users perceive potential AI misuse, but will not lead to immediate enforcement action.
Lucy Cooper
Cooper says the platform owner must take action to prevent this from happening.
The ABC spoke with Lucy Cooper about an Etsy store selling an AI-generated version of her crochet beanie pattern.
Etsy announced its AI policy update.
Another Etsy store published a listing for an AI-generated version of Cooper’s beanie pattern, with all eight product images generated by AI.
ABC Australia published its report on Etsy’s updated AI rules and sellers’ concerns.
- Unedited item photo
- At least one required, against a real background, with some exceptions
- Banned AI-generated guides
- Functional guides such as recipes and crochet patterns
- AI-image reporting
- Reports will not result in immediate enforcement action
- Cooper’s listing
- Published October 28, with eight AI-generated product images
- Cooper’s location
- Hobart, Australia
What people are saying
AI is threatening [buyer] trust, and we have a responsibility to protect it.
They're addressing the problem, but they're not actually really doing anything about it.
If you're the platform owner, you have to do something to make it so that this can't happen.