Author Topic: Are Shutterstock turning a blind eye to AI? (Read 4671 times)

kuriouskat · « **on:** November 05, 2024, 06:15 »

I know AI is improving all the time and, despite how we feel about it, it's here to stay.

The main sites have made their choices to accept it or not, and I'm sure most of us are working within the guidelines given.

However, this month on Shutterstock has gotten off to a really bad start, so I did some searches to see what has happened to the images that were selling daily, but have now suddenly stopped.

I looked at some broad subjects, where my images were well placed, and there is now so much approved AI, that real photos are being pushed further and further back. I'm not referring to Shutterstock's AI tool, but to people who are trying to pass off AI as real photos.

I have a lot of wildlife shots, so the first searches I checked, (restricting to photos and any time) were as follows:

'Koala' - nearly 25k images. The number 1 spot is an Offset image and images 2 - 6 are AI, with several more on the first page.

'Kangaroo' - over 71k images. The top 10 has 3 AI images, and the 2nd image is a very rare 6 legged kangaroo.

'Lion' - over 600k images. At least 9 of the first 16 are AI.

'Jellyfish' - over 86k images. The top 10 are 2 from Offset and 8 AI.

'Polar Bear' - 44k images. At least 5 of the first 13 are AI, with AI images taking the first two spots.

'Dolphin' - 90k images. Of the top 30 images, no less than 15 are AI.

For every search I make, I'm finding similar results, and I've reported several portfolios to Shutterstock. A few have been removed, but many remain.

I know that someone started a thread here with stolen content, which makes sense, as we all want to check such portfolios for our own images, but I'm hoping that by listing some of the AI portfolios here, Shutterstock might take notice and take action quickly.

Here are a few that I've found today:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/munawaekhan
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/almogphoto
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Amarphotocreater
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Tahseenamjad
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Toufiqrahaman
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Behramkhan03
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/rinku+makwana
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/ContentCreater1
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/IrfY
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/MuhammadAsif6

Please feel free to add any you find to this thread, or report directly, as these images are forcing us down in the searches, and it's not restricted to wildlife, but to almost all subjects, from food to interiors to landscapes to Christmas.

How 6 legged kangaroos are getting through a review process, is beyond me, so I can only assume that perhaps AI is checking on AI? Maybe if we start to call it out here, someone at Shutterstock will take action?

bennu99 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2024, 08:25 »

It’s surprising NVIDIA trusts Shutterstock’s "real photos" for training their models, considering how much AI content has taken over the platform.

stocker2011 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2024, 12:21 »

Yes, some blatant AI imagery in those ports.

I know SS have opened up the flood gates in their acceptance, but how on earth are the SS reviewers allowing them to pass?

I also mentioned this in another thread but if they are using our content for AI training, doesn't using AI images end up degrading the model? (unless companies like Nvidia have their own AI detection tools).

Also, are there any free online tools to check if an image was AI generated?

kuriouskat · « **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2024, 13:04 »

I don't know if there are any free tools but, as Shutterstock strip the metadata, then it's probably not going to allow us to check submitted content, but they are a tech company, and should certainly be able to spot any markers in uploaded files. There reviewers should also be able to spot the obvious here, so they either don't care or don't exist, and the checks are Ai?

The ones I added above are just the tip of the iceberg.

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2024, 15:30 »

SS partnered with OpenAI to provide AI image synthesis services using the DALL-E API. Anything that comes from SS is from OpenAI. As for training from AI to teach AI, that's 100% wrong and shouldn't be done as it defeats the natural progression of "training".

Passing these horrid images, and if they aren't marked as AI, then the whole system is broken on SS. AI reviewing AI is just as bad.

pancaketom · « **Reply #5 on:** November 05, 2024, 15:52 »

They don't even care about exact copies (or they are incapable of seeing them despite the fact their search engine suggests them as similar), do you think they care about AI images?

In the past they turned a blind eye to people using multiple keywords in the title to game the search, I doubt they are any better or care more now.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #6 on:** November 05, 2024, 16:47 »

Quote from: pancaketom on November 05, 2024, 15:52

In the past they turned a blind eye to people using multiple keywords in the title to game the search, I doubt they are any better or care more now.

But customers licensing images are going to complain pretty loudly when they realise that the kangaroo in the 'photo' has two extra legs.

pancaketom · « **Reply #7 on:** November 05, 2024, 18:23 »

that kangaroo is actually pretty good compared to the bats with bird wings and other freaks of nature. I particularly like that SS allowed this real world photo in. Imagine the ivory you could get off that.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/ice-age-mammoth-majestic-prehistoric-creature-2499441933

stocker2011 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 05, 2024, 21:21 »

Quote from: kuriouskat on November 05, 2024, 13:04

I don't know if there are any free tools but, as Shutterstock strip the metadata, then it's probably not going to allow us to check submitted content, but they are a tech company, and should certainly be able to spot any markers in uploaded files. There reviewers should also be able to spot the obvious here, so they either don't care or don't exist, and the checks are Ai?

The ones I added above are just the tip of the iceberg.

Yeah I've seen plenty of them including video.

Kind of makes you wonder what's coming next from SS, maybe another 'exciting news' email.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2024, 04:19 »

Quote from: pancaketom on November 05, 2024, 18:23

that kangaroo is actually pretty good compared to the bats with bird wings and other freaks of nature. I particularly like that SS allowed this real world photo in. Imagine the ivory you could get off that.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/ice-age-mammoth-majestic-prehistoric-creature-2499441933

That one is priceless!

But it's a sorry state when we have to compete with this and Shutterstock drags its heels before removing.

Some are pretty good, and could fool reviewers and customers alike. This is currently number one in the search for 'Volcano', out of nearly a million images:

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/black-fiery-red-dramatic-sky-clouds-2421998845

It's only when you look at the rest of the portfolio that it becomes apparent that it's all AI.

I found a few more portfolios here:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/MyBeautifulCollection
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/MOHD+LUKMAN
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Aashu_b
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Ghazi+photgrapher
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kafi9944
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/blue+tang
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/mr+sanaullah

abc123 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2024, 05:43 »

delete

stocker2011 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2024, 07:21 »

I've just browsed through lots of photos and videos that used AI in some shape or form, I knew AI was getting through the cracks but had no idea it was this bad.

So think it's confirmed, SS are officially unofficially accepting AI content, there's no denying it now.

Get ready for an official announcement or maybe a soft launch where they don't tell anyone, but quietly change their terms and conditions.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #12 on:** November 06, 2024, 07:51 »

Quote from: stocker2011 on November 06, 2024, 07:21

I've just browsed through lots of photos and videos that used AI in some shape or form, I knew AI was getting through the cracks but had no idea it was this bad.

So think it's confirmed, SS are officially unofficially accepting AI content, there's no denying it now.

Get ready for an official announcement or maybe a soft launch where they don't tell anyone, but quietly change their terms and conditions.

I do hope you're wrong and that there's a sudden crackdown on this.

Even if they made a decision to accept AI, which I really think is doubtful, it still needs to be labelled as such, which would mean anything incorrectly approved still needs to be removed.

thx9000 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 06, 2024, 08:11 »

So their AI reviewer failed to spot the obvious AI slop. It's still a win-win for SS. Once these ports get reported and banned they get to keep all the earnings

kuriouskat · « **Reply #14 on:** November 06, 2024, 08:47 »

Quote from: thx9000 on November 06, 2024, 08:11

So their AI reviewer failed to spot the obvious AI slop. It's still a win-win for SS. Once these ports get reported and banned they get to keep all the earnings

Sure, but alienating customers isn't good business strategy.

wds · « **Reply #15 on:** November 07, 2024, 22:35 »

So how does it work at SS? Who generates the AI content they are selling?

kuriouskat · « **Reply #16 on:** November 08, 2024, 02:58 »

Quote from: wds on November 07, 2024, 22:35

So how does it work at SS? Who generates the AI content they are selling?

Customers generate artwork and license it as non-exclusive Royalty Free content, and Shutterstock also add that work for sale, I believe.

Their own AI is clearly labelled, and the portfolio name is 'Shutterstock AI'. Any in a different portfolio shouldn't be there.

They also have a disclaimer, because they don't check the content that's been generated, so there is a lot available that normally wouldn't pass review, like logos, celebrities and film characters.

Edit: to add screenshot/disclaimer information

sasha · « **Reply #17 on:** November 09, 2024, 08:34 »

kuriouskat · « **Reply #18 on:** November 09, 2024, 09:35 »

Quote from: sasha on November 09, 2024, 08:34

to add pain to injury they are forcing contributors to submit their work for "data licensing". i have recently started uploading videos and have opted out of video data licensing on my profile. however my recently reviewed items are still being licensed for data. they contact form is not working for me either and i have reported this issue as well. (their responses don't load when you click the link in the email and it goes to the help page)
In fact i should make this a stand alone post. how do people deal with that platform???

As I understand it, content can be approved, rejected or approved just for data licensing, and this happens regardless of opting in or out. But, if you opt out, it isn't used.

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #19 on:** November 15, 2024, 12:15 »

Quote from: kuriouskat on November 09, 2024, 09:35

Quote from: sasha on November 09, 2024, 08:34
to add pain to injury they are forcing contributors to submit their work for "data licensing". i have recently started uploading videos and have opted out of video data licensing on my profile. however my recently reviewed items are still being licensed for data. they contact form is not working for me either and i have reported this issue as well. (their responses don't load when you click the link in the email and it goes to the help page)
In fact i should make this a stand alone post. how do people deal with that platform???

As I understand it, content can be approved, rejected or approved just for data licensing, and this happens regardless of opting in or out. But, if you opt out, it isn't used.

True but also if you Opt Out, SS will keep your uploads in Data Licensing, because they care so much about us and we might change our mind and want them to be used for training. "Shutterstock will retain these review results and this content can be published for data licensing in the event that the contributor elects to opt in to future data deals."

If you Opt In, you can delete your images from Data Licensing. That's the way it was.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #20 on:** December 01, 2024, 05:47 »

I guess it's a start that some of these have now been removed.

But, a guy bragging on Facebook this morning about his earnings for the last couple of months totalling several hundred dollars, has my blood boiling again.

It also had me looking at a search for 'lion'. Honestly, from the first 14 of the top all time images for an actual African lion, 13 are AI.

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/wildlife+2 (Joined June 24 - 100 images)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/MyBestCollection (Joined August 24 - 337 images)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Tanveer+Anjum+Towsif (Joined May 2019 - 1024 images 1022 since June 2024)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/dreamframephotography (Joined May 2024 - 297 images)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/woravit+thongpolyos (Joined June 2024 - 168 images)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/MuhammadHanif1 (Joined May 2024 - 883 images)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/notrod69 (Joined Jan 2023 - 2 images)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/mibaba+project (Joined June 2024 - 427 images)
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Zakir61 (Joined June 2024 - 588 images)

That's nearly 4k images added in the last few months. How are these getting through the review process when anyone can see that they are AI?

Going further down the 1st page:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/XerxOG
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/yasar_701
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Piysho
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/ben_mbark_
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/aftabchoudhary786
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/abdullah+barea+ahnad
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/BANDZRIO
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/shehriyar+ahmed
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Maksim+Nafikov
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/HMSTRX
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Sameer+Neamah+Mahdi
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Noor+Rahman+Masood
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/DILEEP.+E
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Bulldozzzer

This is 1 page of one subject, so how widespread is this problem?

Shutterstock, please give us all a fair chance here, and either enforce your rules or let us all flood the site with AI images.

gnirtS · « **Reply #21 on:** December 01, 2024, 08:31 »

The https://www.shutterstock.com/g/dreamframephotography appears to be generating Freepik AI and uploading to SS.

Add junk AI descriptions and keywords on top.

Mountains so beautiful he doesnt know where he is, a tiger keyworded as leopard, a lion keyworded as plant.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #22 on:** December 01, 2024, 09:36 »

Quote from: gnirtS on December 01, 2024, 08:31

The https://www.shutterstock.com/g/dreamframephotography appears to be generating Freepik AI and uploading to SS.

Add junk AI descriptions and keywords on top.

Mountains so beautiful he doesnt know where he is, a tiger keyworded as leopard, a lion keyworded as plant.

It's pretty obvious that the images are AI, and the metadata is also AI generated, by the looks of it, but that should be a bit of a giveaway to reviewers, (if they still exist at Shutterstock).

Regarding the contributor you've specifically mentioned, he also posted a screenshot of a Single and Other sale, with a commission of $105. Doing a rough calculation based upon his months active and other screenshots of sale that he's posted, he's probably a level 4 contributor. I wonder how happy the customer will be if they realise that they paid $350 for a photo that isn't even real?

But this guy aside, the whole site is awash with AI coming up at the top of all searches.

I've checked for a few subjects with random keywords, and it's the same, whatever the topic, from 'hamburger' to 'polar bear'. You can find the culprits very quickly, and even from just those two searches I've come across:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Asifphotographer1
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/SofieLion9
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Sabilicious
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Jee+Mang
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Hasso-13

That's another 5 portfolios found in 5 minutes, and they go on and on, with one leading to another in the similar or recommended images.

Again, it does raise the question as to whether Shutterstock are happy to just let this slide through, and will just deal with any customer complaints if they get them.

gnirtS · « **Reply #23 on:** December 01, 2024, 21:46 »

Im not even sure they're aware. There no seems to be no human at all anywhere in the approval or quality control pipeline. I dont think they even know themselves what is going into the library. Or care.

Also there doesnt seem to be a channel for reporting AI accounts like there is for stolen content.

fotoVoyager · « **Reply #24 on:** December 02, 2024, 04:11 »

How can you tell the images are Gen AI other than their unlikely perfection? I’m genuinely interested.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #25 on:** December 02, 2024, 04:49 »

Quote from: fotoVoyager on December 02, 2024, 04:11

How can you tell the images are Gen AI other than their unlikely perfection? I’m genuinely interested.

With some, it's just a specific 'look', and others have some features that just aren't quite right.

Also, with wildlife and landscape, no photographer is going to omit the location where the photo was taken, so this is often a clue to either AI or stolen content.

For example if you search kangaroo, this image is number 2 in the most popular search, and at first glance, it looks fine, but check the back legs for the extra section, and look at the tail that morphs into a fallen tree trunk..

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/zahidul_hoque_karim

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/kangaroo-close-austalia-outback-bush-country-2513090053

kuriouskat · « **Reply #26 on:** December 02, 2024, 04:55 »

And number 3 in the search for 'kangaroo' is this one - the adult animal has two extra legs:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Laksika555

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/kangaroo-joey-pouch-hopping-through-grassy-2507137525

gnirtS · « **Reply #27 on:** December 02, 2024, 06:24 »

Quote from: fotoVoyager on December 02, 2024, 04:11

How can you tell the images are Gen AI other than their unlikely perfection? I’m genuinely interested.

Theres a cinematic "clean" look and feel. Smooth, saturation is often out for real world. Quite often things merge into background objects. Depth of fields dont look right.
The light and shadows dont fit the light sources in the scene. If you know the animals you see flaws in the patterning, ratios etc.

estovid · « **Reply #28 on:** December 02, 2024, 13:29 »

abc123 · « **Reply #29 on:** December 03, 2024, 04:46 »

Is it possible to report these portfolios? And how?

estovid · « **Reply #30 on:** December 04, 2024, 02:00 »

Yes. Please email these accounts and evidence to [email protected]

estovid · « **Reply #31 on:** December 04, 2024, 02:01 »

Quote from: abc123 on December 03, 2024, 04:46

Is it possible to report these portfolios? And how?

Yes. Please email these accounts and evidence to [email protected]

abc123 · « **Reply #32 on:** December 04, 2024, 02:28 »

Quote from: estovid on December 04, 2024, 02:01

Quote from: abc123 on December 03, 2024, 04:46
Is it possible to report these portfolios? And how?

Yes. Please email these accounts and evidence to newbielink:mailto:[email protected] [nonactive]

Thanks! I also have a list that I will post later, but without adobe reference.

DaLiu · « **Reply #33 on:** December 04, 2024, 03:16 »

Here is another one, same AI pictures from Adobe published on SS as well.

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/karacacen
https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/207394829/karacacennet

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #34 on:** December 04, 2024, 11:50 »

Quote from: DaLiu on December 04, 2024, 03:16

Here is another one, same AI pictures from Adobe published on SS as well.

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/karacacen
https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/207394829/karacacennet

I suppose if SS ever cared to check, this would be a problem. Oh look, description on Adobe "Indian Ocean, Mauritius Whales and sperm whales and vibrant coral reefs and sea Turtles. Mauritius island under waterfall, Mauritius undersea, Mauritius sea" WOW!

Quote from: kuriouskat on December 01, 2024, 09:36

Again, it does raise the question as to whether Shutterstock are happy to just let this slide through, and will just deal with any customer complaints if they get them.

That is the question, isn't it?

estovid · « **Reply #35 on:** December 05, 2024, 04:11 »

Her Ugliness · « **Reply #36 on:** December 05, 2024, 12:31 »

Quote from: fotoVoyager on December 02, 2024, 04:11

How can you tell the images are Gen AI other than their unlikely perfection? I’m genuinely interested.

How can you not tell?
A deer with 5 legs and butt-anlters doesn't make you suspicious?

or these hands' very strange anatomy?

See nothing wrong with this bird's legs?

Or this bird's claws?

Shutterstuck is really FULL of these images. It's like they aren't even trying.

antoniogravante · « **Reply #37 on:** December 06, 2024, 09:38 »

Quote from: estovid on December 05, 2024, 04:11

more accounts with AI content

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/karacacen [nofollow]
IA:https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/monkeypox-virus-on-skin-microscopic-view-2503999011
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/monkeypox-virus-on-the-skin-microscopic-view-of-the-monkeypox-virus-close-up-image-of-the-monkeypox-virus-structure-skin-manifestation-of-monkeypox-dermatological-viruses-monkeypox/926088888?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/indian-ocean-mauritius-whales-sperm-vibrant-2500762795 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/indian-ocean-mauritius-whales-and-sperm-whales-and-vibrant-coral-reefs-and-sea-turtles-mauritius-island-under-waterfall-mauritius-undersea-mauritius-sea/914250002?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/wicker-basket-stack-colorful-clothes-on-2494544915 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/wicker-basket-full-of-colorful-clothes-isolated-wicker-basket-with-a-stack-of-colorful-clothes-on-a-white-background-clean-folded-stacked-clothes-in-a-wicker-basket-isolated/899058061?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/sandalwood-jasmin-flower-on-white-background-2498679003 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/sandalwood-and-sandalwood-powder-jasmine-flowers-with-green-leaves-isolated-on-a-white-background-isolated/910032976?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/clean-neatly-folded-ironed-clothes-wicker-2511412113 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/clean-neatly-folded-and-ironed-clothes-in-a-wicker-basket-with-red-roses-on-a-isolated-white-background/953851998?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/PachaiLeknettip [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/golden-christmas-star-on-bright-red-2525916527 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/golden-christmas-star-on-bright-red-wooden-sled-for-festive-holiday-decor/1052100753?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/hands-presenting-small-gift-wrapped-red-2525045405 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/hands-presenting-small-gift-wrapped-in-red-ribbon-on-light-wooden-surface-for-holiday-celebrations/1052100361?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/festive-halloween-cookies-featuring-jackolantern-ghost-2525921893 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/festive-halloween-cookies-featuring-jack-o-lantern-ghost-and-spider-web-designs/1052099943?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/festive-jackolantern-santa-hat-combining-halloween-2525921933 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/festive-jack-o-lantern-with-santa-hat-combining-halloween-and-christmas/1052099387?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/halloween-balloon-letters-flying-bats-on-2525921881 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/halloween-balloon-letters-and-flying-bats-on-orange-background-for-festive-decor/1002940900?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/2025-financial-goals-piggy-bank-wooden-2525044067 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/financial-goals-piggy-bank-and-wooden-blocks-symbolizing-future-savings/1002942052?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/I'm+Leohoho [nofollow]
IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cozy-christmas-decoration-mini-tree-lights-2519784397 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cozy-christmas-decoration-with-mini-christmas-tree-and-lights-on-snowy-background/981840544?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cozy-christmas-decoration-mini-tree-lights-2519784391 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cozy-christmas-decoration-with-mini-christmas-tree-and-lights-on-snowy-background/981840559?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-diwali-festival-lit-diya-colorful-2519068257 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-diwali-festival-with-lit-diya-colorful-traditional-oil-lamps-shimmer-against-the-sparkling-background/981866572?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cozy-christmas-decoration-mini-tree-lights-2519784393 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cozy-christmas-decoration-with-mini-christmas-tree-and-lights-on-snowy-background/981840535?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-illustration/independence-day-background-banner-fireworks-usa-2471853797 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/independence-day-background-banner-with-fireworks-and-the-usa-flag-in-the-sky/841384812?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-illustration/theater-stage-curtains-spotlights-ecommerce-advertisement-2500439913 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/theater-stage-with-curtains-and-spotlights-for-e-commerce-advertisement-business/903023447?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/fantasy-sky-sugar-cotton-pink-pastel-2482744475 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/fantasy-sky-with-sugar-cotton-pink-pastel-clouds-in-a-dreamy-background/868582374?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Mega+Vectors [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-dog-giving-high-five-isolated-2485830255 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-dog-giving-a-high-five-isolated-on-white-with-copy-space-area-transparency-background/858120862?prev_url=detail&asset_id=858120862 [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-dog-giving-high-five-isolated-2481533661 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-dog-giving-a-high-five-isolated-on-white-with-copy-space-area/858087680?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cat-shock-surprised-expression-eyes-on-2490293671 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cat-with-shock-surprised-expression-eyes-on-isolated-red-background-with-copy-space/879477200?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-smiling-dog-wearing-summer-sunglasses-2485833355 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-smiling-dog-wearing-summer-sunglasses-isolated-on-blue-background/847992444?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/hand-holding-smile-face-isolated-on-2395526293 [nofollow]
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/hand-holding-smile-face-isolated-on-white-blank-gradient-background/685163864?prev_url=detail [nofollow]

Ciao Ester,
Here too? :-) I was about to reply to the topic to put the list but you already thought of it.
I will try to draw shutterstock's attention to these accounts once again.

stocker2011 · « **Reply #38 on:** December 06, 2024, 14:11 »

Quote from: Her Ugliness on December 05, 2024, 12:31

Quote from: fotoVoyager on December 02, 2024, 04:11
How can you tell the images are Gen AI other than their unlikely perfection? I’m genuinely interested.

How can you not tell?
A deer with 5 legs and butt-anlters doesn't make you suspicious?

or these hands' very strange anatomy?

See nothing wrong with this bird's legs?

Or this bird's claws?

Shutterstuck is really FULL of these images. It's like they aren't even trying.

It's ridiculous, SS has sunken to a new low, they just don't care anymore.

Back in the day when istock was the only agency, i remember when review times were long but if you got rejected they always came back with tips or suggestions to improve your craft.

rcnyc · « **Reply #39 on:** December 07, 2024, 18:29 »

I can't believe after all this time, people are still having discussions about SS or any other microstock agency from the position that they're legitimate companies.

It took me years to finally understand and accept what SS has been this entire time. SS is a Big Tech company. It's not a stock agency. The reason this is important to know is that Big Tech has never operated according to any traditional business model. The traditional business model always was, "We have a product or service that we want to connect with buyers. Hopefully, we'll have enough buyers and subscribers to stay in business."

The Big Tech business model is nothing like this. It's, "We have a technology or platform that we hope will create a bubble on Wall Street that investors can cash in on. But let's pretend it's about connecting sellers and buyers."

Every Big Tech has been using that model. It's why En####ification has become a thing. It's why, for example, Etsy immediately started inviting tons of counterfeiters from overseas to flood the platform at the expense of independent sellers who were creating things from scratch. It's why Adobe and Apple, which built brands for artists to unleash their creativity, are now replacing those artists with AI and even putting out insulting ad campaigns mocking them. It was about inventing new tech bubbles for investors to cash in on.

Same with SS. It's going through it's En###ification phase now, as it was never about building a platform to sell images. It was about creating a platform to capitalize on the crowdsourcing bubble. The crowdsourcing bubble popped, and now AI is the current bubble.

So the question, "Is SS turning a blind eye to AI?" doesn't really make much sense in this context. SS isn't turning a blind eye. It's embracing it with both arms.

synthetick · « **Reply #40 on:** December 08, 2024, 05:49 »

I suppose they could be letting some AI through as an experiment because they are thinking about allowing it in future.

rcnyc · « **Reply #41 on:** December 08, 2024, 09:47 »

Quote from: synthetick on December 08, 2024, 05:49

I suppose they could be letting some AI through as an experiment because they are thinking about allowing it in future.

Please read my previous post.

SS, in the end, was never a microstock agency. It was just another Big Tech unicorn giving investors on Wall Street a chance to speculate on a concept or idea, creating a bubble. When SS launched, the bubble was crowdsourcing and gig platforms like Fiverr, Etsy, etc., etc. Then the bubble was The Gig Economy. Now the bubble is AI.

SS isn't experimenting. It's jumped on the bandwagon. Trust me on this. I'm an investor, and there is gold rush mentality around anything AI to where there could be a company that has nothing to do with AI mentioning "AI" in a press release and BOOM, shares skyrocket. AI-fever is so high right now that everyone from Google to YouTube is throwing long time webmasters and contributors under the bus to cash in.

The good news about this is that the bubble will pop because that's what AI is--a bubble. Once everyone makes their millions and have their fill, AI-mania will be a thing of the past.

antoniogravante · « **Reply #42 on:** December 09, 2024, 03:00 »

Quote from: rcnyc on December 07, 2024, 18:29

I can't believe after all this time, people are still having discussions about SS or any other microstock agency from the position that they're legitimate companies.

It took me years to finally understand and accept what SS has been this entire time. SS is a Big Tech company. It's not a stock agency. The reason this is important to know is that Big Tech has never operated according to any traditional business model. The traditional business model always was, "We have a product or service that we want to connect with buyers. Hopefully, we'll have enough buyers and subscribers to stay in business."

The Big Tech business model is nothing like this. It's, "We have a technology or platform that we hope will create a bubble on Wall Street that investors can cash in on. But let's pretend it's about connecting sellers and buyers."

Every Big Tech has been using that model. It's why En####ification has become a thing. It's why, for example, Etsy immediately started inviting tons of counterfeiters from overseas to flood the platform at the expense of independent sellers who were creating things from scratch. It's why Adobe and Apple, which built brands for artists to unleash their creativity, are now replacing those artists with AI and even putting out insulting ad campaigns mocking them. It was about inventing new tech bubbles for investors to cash in on.

Same with SS. It's going through it's En###ification phase now, as it was never about building a platform to sell images. It was about creating a platform to capitalize on the crowdsourcing bubble. The crowdsourcing bubble popped, and now AI is the current bubble.

So the question, "Is SS turning a blind eye to AI?" doesn't really make much sense in this context. SS isn't turning a blind eye. It's embracing it with both arms.

Your explanation makes perfect sense.

antoniogravante · « **Reply #43 on:** December 09, 2024, 03:03 »

Quote from: synthetick on December 08, 2024, 05:49

I suppose they could be letting some AI through as an experiment because they are thinking about allowing it in future.

I asked the person in charge of content and even though I received a response, I was not told anything about this. I thought the same thing. Are you aware of the list that I share with them, in collaboration with Ester, for reporting fake accounts that resell our photos? If you look at it carefully you will notice that 90% of the accounts reported as AI are not closed.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N1oYYhfCVKP4llm7aC7GSeWjjs4DFhLcb3QWAT2kcXw/edit?usp=sharing [nofollow]

kuriouskat · « **Reply #44 on:** December 09, 2024, 03:46 »

Well here's another one, and he even calls himself AI hub:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/AI+hub

And another:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Gulfarazgardezi

gnirtS · « **Reply #45 on:** December 09, 2024, 15:37 »

And this got approved how exactly?!

zeljkok · « **Reply #46 on:** December 09, 2024, 22:27 »

Quote from: gnirtS on December 09, 2024, 15:37

And this got approved how exactly?!

Color blind Reviewer ;-)

cobalt · « **Reply #47 on:** December 10, 2024, 00:48 »

Quote from: kuriouskat on December 09, 2024, 03:46

Well here's another one, and he even calls himself AI hub:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/AI+hub

And another:

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Gulfarazgardezi

I wonder how their sales of training data is affected by allowing these ai ports in.

Does it not „poison“ their database?

If an agency takes ai, their non ai content will be clean.

So having an ai upload process with clear label would be beneficial.

gnirtS · « **Reply #48 on:** December 10, 2024, 06:51 »

Quote from: cobalt on December 10, 2024, 00:48

If an agency takes ai, their non ai content will be clean.

So having an ai upload process with clear label would be beneficial.

That assumes the contributors are honest enough to label it as such. FB groups alone show that really isnt the case.

cobalt · « **Reply #49 on:** December 10, 2024, 07:56 »

true, there is a huge amount of fraud going on. people with multiple accounts to circumvent upload limits, people uploading ai as normal photos...but I do think adobe is making an effort to ban them.

but if ss takes so much obvious ai, they should just be honest and add an ai upload path.

estovid · « **Reply #50 on:** December 11, 2024, 02:24 »

Quote from: antoniogravante on December 06, 2024, 09:38

Quote from: estovid on December 05, 2024, 04:11
more accounts with AI content

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/karacacen
IA:https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/monkeypox-virus-on-skin-microscopic-view-2503999011
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/monkeypox-virus-on-the-skin-microscopic-view-of-the-monkeypox-virus-close-up-image-of-the-monkeypox-virus-structure-skin-manifestation-of-monkeypox-dermatological-viruses-monkeypox/926088888?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/indian-ocean-mauritius-whales-sperm-vibrant-2500762795
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/indian-ocean-mauritius-whales-and-sperm-whales-and-vibrant-coral-reefs-and-sea-turtles-mauritius-island-under-waterfall-mauritius-undersea-mauritius-sea/914250002?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/wicker-basket-stack-colorful-clothes-on-2494544915
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/wicker-basket-full-of-colorful-clothes-isolated-wicker-basket-with-a-stack-of-colorful-clothes-on-a-white-background-clean-folded-stacked-clothes-in-a-wicker-basket-isolated/899058061?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/sandalwood-jasmin-flower-on-white-background-2498679003
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/sandalwood-and-sandalwood-powder-jasmine-flowers-with-green-leaves-isolated-on-a-white-background-isolated/910032976?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/clean-neatly-folded-ironed-clothes-wicker-2511412113
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/clean-neatly-folded-and-ironed-clothes-in-a-wicker-basket-with-red-roses-on-a-isolated-white-background/953851998?prev_url=detail

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/PachaiLeknettip

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/golden-christmas-star-on-bright-red-2525916527
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/golden-christmas-star-on-bright-red-wooden-sled-for-festive-holiday-decor/1052100753?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/hands-presenting-small-gift-wrapped-red-2525045405
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/hands-presenting-small-gift-wrapped-in-red-ribbon-on-light-wooden-surface-for-holiday-celebrations/1052100361?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/festive-halloween-cookies-featuring-jackolantern-ghost-2525921893
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/festive-halloween-cookies-featuring-jack-o-lantern-ghost-and-spider-web-designs/1052099943?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/festive-jackolantern-santa-hat-combining-halloween-2525921933
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/festive-jack-o-lantern-with-santa-hat-combining-halloween-and-christmas/1052099387?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/halloween-balloon-letters-flying-bats-on-2525921881
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/halloween-balloon-letters-and-flying-bats-on-orange-background-for-festive-decor/1002940900?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/2025-financial-goals-piggy-bank-wooden-2525044067
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/financial-goals-piggy-bank-and-wooden-blocks-symbolizing-future-savings/1002942052?prev_url=detail

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/I'm+Leohoho
IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cozy-christmas-decoration-mini-tree-lights-2519784397
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cozy-christmas-decoration-with-mini-christmas-tree-and-lights-on-snowy-background/981840544?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cozy-christmas-decoration-mini-tree-lights-2519784391
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cozy-christmas-decoration-with-mini-christmas-tree-and-lights-on-snowy-background/981840559?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-diwali-festival-lit-diya-colorful-2519068257
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-diwali-festival-with-lit-diya-colorful-traditional-oil-lamps-shimmer-against-the-sparkling-background/981866572?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cozy-christmas-decoration-mini-tree-lights-2519784393
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cozy-christmas-decoration-with-mini-christmas-tree-and-lights-on-snowy-background/981840535?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-illustration/independence-day-background-banner-fireworks-usa-2471853797
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/independence-day-background-banner-with-fireworks-and-the-usa-flag-in-the-sky/841384812?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-illustration/theater-stage-curtains-spotlights-ecommerce-advertisement-2500439913
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/theater-stage-with-curtains-and-spotlights-for-e-commerce-advertisement-business/903023447?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/fantasy-sky-sugar-cotton-pink-pastel-2482744475
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/fantasy-sky-with-sugar-cotton-pink-pastel-clouds-in-a-dreamy-background/868582374?prev_url=detail

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Mega+Vectors

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-dog-giving-high-five-isolated-2485830255
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-dog-giving-a-high-five-isolated-on-white-with-copy-space-area-transparency-background/858120862?prev_url=detail&asset_id=858120862

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-dog-giving-high-five-isolated-2481533661
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-dog-giving-a-high-five-isolated-on-white-with-copy-space-area/858087680?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cat-shock-surprised-expression-eyes-on-2490293671
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cat-with-shock-surprised-expression-eyes-on-isolated-red-background-with-copy-space/879477200?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/happy-smiling-dog-wearing-summer-sunglasses-2485833355
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/happy-smiling-dog-wearing-summer-sunglasses-isolated-on-blue-background/847992444?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/hand-holding-smile-face-isolated-on-2395526293
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/hand-holding-smile-face-isolated-on-white-blank-gradient-background/685163864?prev_url=detail

Ciao Ester,
Here too? :-) I was about to reply to the topic to put the list but you already thought of it.
I will try to draw shutterstock's attention to these accounts once again.

Hi Antonio. I reported all those accounts to Shutterstock. I haven't had a response yet.

antoniogravante · « **Reply #51 on:** December 11, 2024, 03:07 »

Quote

Hi Antonio. I reported all those accounts to Shutterstock. I haven't had a response yet.

Me too and they didn't answer me either. But they are closing other accounts on our list.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #52 on:** December 11, 2024, 04:25 »

I've noticed that with many of the AI contributors, they are just removing the AI, but leaving the accounts open.

I guess that means that these cheaters can still claim their earnings, which seems grossly unfair on those sticking to the rules.

Do we take from this that the message is that it's fine to cheat until you are caught, and Shutterstock will jut let you off with a warning?

estovid · « **Reply #53 on:** December 11, 2024, 08:27 »

Quote from: kuriouskat on December 11, 2024, 04:25

I've noticed that with many of the AI contributors, they are just removing the AI, but leaving the accounts open.

I guess that means that these cheaters can still claim their earnings, which seems grossly unfair on those sticking to the rules.

Do we take from this that the message is that it's fine to cheat until you are caught, and Shutterstock will jut let you off with a warning?

It depends on who reviews the report. I have reported accounts with AI that have deleted the entire account and other times not... It is not fair that some of us follow the rules and others do not. And if a buyer wants to buy a real photo, it has to be real, if it is AI they have to be informed that it is AI, otherwise they are being deceived.

estovid · « **Reply #54 on:** December 11, 2024, 08:30 »

more accounts with photos generated with AI

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Le+Dang+Nhut+Minh

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/cute-kitten-blue-eyes-sitting-on-2470053957
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/a-cute-kitten-with-blue-eyes-is-sitting-on-a-white-blanket/823878075?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/kitten-playing-ball-orange-has-playful-2470053993
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/a-kitten-is-playing-with-a-ball/823868432?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/black-white-kitten-playing-toy-playful-2470054067
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/a-black-and-white-kitten-playing-with-a-toy/823854770?prev_url=detail

--------------------------

https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/tknozturk
IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/top-view-beautifully-wrapped-christmas-gifts-2553019037
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/top-view-of-beautifully-wrapped-christmas-gifts-with-red-ribbons-surrounded-by-festive-decorations-and-greenery-on-a-vibrant-red-background/1069027006?prev_url=detail

IA:
https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/white-marble-cosmetic-podium-product-christmas-2553018941
ADOBE IA:
https://stock.adobe.com/images/white-marble-cosmetic-podium-product-and-christmas-golden-decoration-product-presentation-scene-for-cosmetic-or-beauty-product-presentation-on-white-background-front-view-copy-space/1069029213?prev_url=deta

gnirtS · « **Reply #55 on:** December 12, 2024, 11:43 »

Just browsing their TrustPilot (bloody hell....) https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.shutterstock.com

One on the first page stuck out:

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/67591a543263f0b2bee5b5cf

AI garbage is crowding out real content. What laziness to not QC or fact-check these products. They are cluttering the internet with poor quality images labelled as though they are genuine. One example: search Roman sculpture, and you find numerous images that look like Frankenstein versions of Michelangelo's David. The clothing is wrong, the breaks in the arms are wrong, the anatomy of the neck is cringey (ghoulishly swollen sternocleidomastoid, three...! hyoid bones) and unnaturally cylindrical arms. Let's use real photography and hire real artists.

Date of experience: 10 December 2024

So buyers ARE noticing the AI crap too. (inbetween the scam ripoffs of subscription sales etc)

synthetick · « **Reply #56 on:** December 31, 2024, 05:47 »

Not sure if this port has been added here yet: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Ewa+Kasza

cobalt · « **Reply #57 on:** December 31, 2024, 06:12 »

Why don't they just have a real ai upload queue?

This just makes no sense.

And again will send customers to Adobe which has clean media channels or istock that is totally free from ai.

Mantis · « **Reply #58 on:** December 31, 2024, 08:29 »

LOL https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/kangaroo-joey-pouch-hopping-through-grassy-2507137525

Kangaroo with six legs.

DaLiu · « **Reply #59 on:** December 31, 2024, 13:39 »

Actually they already disabled some of the profiles reported.

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