Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Etsy bans AI-generated recipes and patterns from its marketplace
Etsy is banning AI-generated recipes, patterns and instructions from its online marketplace.
The ban covers digital guides such as crochet and sewing patterns that buyers use to make a finished item.
Etsy says sellers must show an actual item made using the instructions, rather than an AI-generated or simulated result.
The company says many buyers struggle to identify AI-made content, which has weakened trust in the marketplace.
AI-generated art will still be allowed if sellers disclose its use and have a clear role in creating it.
Etsy will also bar listings made by bots without human involvement and require at least one unedited photo of the item being sold.
Etsy is tightening its rules on artificial intelligence, including banning AI-generated recipes, patterns and other functional guides.
Sellers offering those guides must provide information that is their own work and show an actual result made using them.
Listings must include at least one unedited photo of the actual item against a real background, and images must accurately represent what buyers will receive.
Etsy is also barring bot-generated listings made without human involvement.
AI-generated art remains allowed if sellers disclose its use and do not misrepresent the work.
- Who
- Etsy and merchants selling on its marketplace.
- What
- Etsy is tightening rules on AI use, including prohibiting AI-generated functional guides such as recipes and patterns.
- When
- Etsy announced the changes on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Etsy's online marketplace.
- Why
- Etsy said buyers have trouble identifying AI-generated content and sellers are concerned about misleading AI items appearing alongside their work.
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- Functional guides
- AI-generated recipes, patterns and instructions are prohibited
- Product photos
- At least one unedited photo of the actual item is required
- AI-generated art
- Allowed if sellers disclose its use
- Bot-generated listings
- Listings made without human involvement are barred
2 sources
What people are saying
Today, many active buyers say they can't tell which items involve AI-generated content.
at least one unedited photo of the actual item against a real background
Sellers must still disclose when an item is created using AI and cannot misrepresent AI-generated work as handmade or entirely their own creation.