Etsy is implementing stricter rules for AI usage in product listings to address the prevalence of AI slop on its marketplace. In a recent post, the company cited buyer feedback stating that many active customers cannot distinguish between items involving AI-generated content and those that do not. The platform also noted that sellers expressed concern about their work appearing alongside items that use AI in misleading ways, which contributed to the decision to introduce new policies and restrictions.
Under the updated guidelines, every listing must now feature at least one unedited photo of the actual item set against a real background. Additionally, all photos included in a listing are required to accurately represent the item a buyer will receive. While the source indicates that subsequent photos may be edited with software, the primary requirement remains a raw, unaltered image of the physical product to ensure transparency for buyers.