Adobe Stock Begins Selling AI-generated Artwork

Adobe claims that it is permitting AI-generated AI images on its platform of stock it allows users to earn royalties on AI-generated content in line with its guidelines, the same way it has for other content. The company is also modifying submissions according to the same guidelines it follows for other content submitted. It requires that identifiable persons and their property to be covered by the right to release them in “the very unlikely scenario” that there is a claim in relation to assets.

There is also a new dynamic AI policy that bans submissions that are based on content from third parties that includes text prompts that design properties, people, or places or imitate an artist’s style without permission.

“AI-generated content is provided under the same terms of licensing as other content sources. Our policy requires our contributors to actively identify their generated AI content. We’ll shortly include additional options that will make the content clearer,” according to the firm’s statement.

“When artificial intelligence is utilized and properly labeled to produce beautiful and valuable contentto ensure that the customers are aware of the source of the material they choose We believe that it is worthy of its place in our stock collection.”

Adobe recently announced that their stock-photography service, Adobe Stock, would allow artists to submit AI-generated images to be sold, Axios reports. This announcement comes amid Adobe’s acceptance of image synthesis, as well as during efforts across the industry to address the fast expanding area of AI artwork that is used in the business of stock art as well as earlier announcements from Shutterstock as well as Getty Images.

Artists start selling AI-generated artwork on websites that sell stock photos

The submission of AI-generated images in Adobe Stock comes with a couple of restrictions. The artist must be the owner of (or be able to make use of) the image. AI-synthesized art work must be provided in the form of an illustration (even when it is photosynthetic) and must be tagged by “Generative AI” in the title.

Additionally, each AI artwork must be in line with Adobe’s latest Generative AI Content Guidelines, which require artists to sign an authorization for model releases for each real person that is depicted in the art. Illustrations that depict individuals, fictional characters, brands or property require an official property release that confirms that the artist is the sole owner of all rights to license the work for use in Adobe Stock.

Adobe’s brand new rules

In the beginning, all AI content has to be identified as such and is a requirement for images that resemble photos. Only photos taken by cameras that are physically mounted can be sent to Adobe as real photographs. Contributors have to label their submissions with “Generative AI” as well as state that the image is “fictitious and created.” Adobe doesn’t want users to label their submissions using “inaccurate descriptors” such as claiming the image is an actual 3D render, when it’s not, or asserting that the subjects of the images are real.

Art’s future?

Naturally, many artists on the web face issues with the technology. Many are worried about losing money when people turn to free AI engines to produce artwork. This could have the unintended consequence of taking away that spark of creativity for amateur artists. Adobe is positive in its announcement, suggesting that it is just the beginning of a new era.

A stock photo odyssey

Extend / A sample from the AI generated graphic is available through Adobe Stock.

In the last year, the release of image synthesis software such as Stable Diffusion, Midjourney and DALL-E have opened up an almost infinite amount of generative art that mimics popular styles of art across many types of media, such as photography. The various AI tool allows artists to create artwork that is based on a description of text that is known as prompt.

The month of September was when we posted on the first cases of artists displaying AI art on stock photography websites. Shutterstock initially responded by taking down some artwork that was generative, but then it changed its mind by partnering with OpenAI to develop AI artwork for the website. In October, Getty Images banned AI artworks due to copyright concerns, which aren’t fully vetted in the courts.

Apart from these legal concerns AI-generated art works have been found to be ethically problematic for artists. Many have expressed concern about the ability of models using image synthesis to replicate artworks that resemble the fashion of living artists particularly since the AI models acquired this capability by scraping websites without permission.

Despite these debates, Adobe is openly embracing the increasing trend in image synthesis, and it has no indication of slowing down.

“I believe that our choice to responsibly accept content produced by Generative AI is beneficial to both clients and service suppliers,” said Sarah Casillas the senior director of content of Adobe Stock, in a announcement that was emailed at Adobe Stock -Members was sent. “Stock skills, knowledge creativity, and taste are vital to success in the stock market, and the market demands quality and these are qualities our top contributors will keep bringing, regardless of the tools they select.”

Adobe Stock restricts contributors from uploading images that copy the styles of artists, and can’t be based on text prompts that specifically mention persons, locations or properties without permission. The images must be clearly identified the images that are created by AI software.

The company stated that it would be watching submissions and will eliminate any content that is in violation of these guidelines. If the company is faced with an intellectual property claim the company will defend and take care of any losses incurred by customers. “Standard IP indemnification is included in the event claims arise concerning an asset” it said.

Stock image suppliers Getty and Shutterstock previously banned AI-generated images because of copyright concerns. However, they are now forming collaborations with the generative AI companies to enable customers to create their own images with the help of the software.