Etsy cracks down on AI-copying issues but some users still sceptical
Online marketplace Etsy updates its artificial intelligence policies following widespread criticism from users, but some sellers say more needs to be done.
Etsy, the online marketplace for handmade products, has updated its policies to restrict the use of artificial intelligence in listings, following criticism from its user community. While Etsy claims these changes represent a starting point, some users remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the new measures.
The company addressed the issue in an email to sellers and published the new policy online, outlining several restrictions. Sellers are now required to include at least one unedited photo of their item against a real background, with exceptions for certain digital products like audio files. However, AI-generated functional guides, such as recipes and crochet patterns, are banned, and listings for these items must provide an image of a real result.
Etsy also introduced a specific reporting option for misleading AI-generated images and guidance for listing photos.
Despite these changes, some users remain unconvinced. Lucy Cooper, a crochet artist, found an Etsy store selling an AI-generated version of her crochet beanie pattern, despite the new policy. She expressed disappointment with Etsy's approach, stating that the changes rely too heavily on sellers doing the right thing and fail to address the dishonesty she perceives in the marketplace.
Many users on social media echoed similar sentiments, questioning Etsy's commitment to preventing AI misuse and suggesting the need for more proactive measures, such as immediate removal of reported listings. Etsy acknowledges there is more work to be done and will continue to monitor developments in AI technology and respond to community feedback.
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