Guidelines on Images Generated by Artificial Intelligence
Protecting authentic photography, the work of photographers and the editorial identity of ARTFreeLife.
Photography has always been the result of the encounter between technique, sensitivity, experience and the personal vision of the photographer. Every photograph represents a real moment, observed and interpreted through the eyes of its author.
For this reason, as stated in the official ARTFreeLife regulations, images generated entirely through Generative Artificial Intelligence are not accepted for publication on the platform.
In recent years, Artificial Intelligence has reached an extraordinary level of visual realism. Today, AI systems are capable of producing images that can be extremely difficult to distinguish from real photographs. Millions of synthetic images are generated every day worldwide, and this number is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.
ARTFreeLife recognizes the technological and creative value of Artificial Intelligence. However, our editorial mission remains clear and unchanged: to promote and protect authentic photography.
Automated Analysis
Each image uploaded to ARTFreeLife is first analyzed by automated detection systems designed to estimate the probability that the image has been generated, wholly or partially, through Artificial Intelligence.
The analysis evaluates technical and statistical elements such as image structure, texture distribution, coherence of details, rendering anomalies and other indicators commonly associated with synthetic images.
When the probability level exceeds the threshold established by our internal protocols, the image is automatically excluded from publication and submitted to further editorial verification.
Editorial Verification
Images flagged by the automated system are then reviewed by the ARTFreeLife Editorial Team through an in-depth verification process that may include:
- verification of the author’s identity;
- analysis of the photographer’s portfolio and publication history;
- online image search and reverse image search;
- analysis of metadata, when available;
- technical evaluation of light, perspective, optics and photographic coherence;
- cross-checking of all available information.
Each image is evaluated individually. The Editorial Team adopts a cautious and conservative approach, intended exclusively to protect photographers who create authentic photographic work.
Independent Technical Review
After the editorial review, flagged images may be submitted to additional independent software specifically designed to detect AI-generated imagery.
At this stage, the results of different detection systems are compared with the editorial evaluation, technical data and any available metadata.
No image is rejected solely on the basis of a single automated analysis. The final decision is made only after all available elements have been carefully reviewed.
Communication with the Author
If the combined analyses indicate a very high probability that the image was generated by Artificial Intelligence, the Editorial Team may contact the author once through the ARTFreeLife internal messaging system.
The author may provide explanations, original files, RAW files, shooting details or any other documentation useful to demonstrate the authenticity of the photograph.
If the explanations are considered convincing and the image is recognized as authentic, it may be submitted again for editorial evaluation.
Repeated Submissions
Authors are kindly requested not to repeatedly submit images generated through Artificial Intelligence.
After one or more confirmed reports, further images of the same nature may be automatically rejected without additional editorial review.
Accepted Content
- Authentic photographs.
- Photographs with advanced post-production.
- Digital works derived from original photographs.
- Photomontages created from genuine photographic material.
- Creative photographic manipulations based on real camera captures.
Content Not Accepted
- Images created entirely through AI prompts.
- Works generated by Generative Artificial Intelligence systems.
- Images without a genuine photographic origin.
- Synthetic images replacing the photographic capture process.
“A photograph is not simply an image. It is the trace of a real moment, interpreted by human vision.”
Our Editorial Vision
Artificial Intelligence represents one of the most important technological innovations of our time. Its applications are transforming science, medicine, education, engineering, visual communication and digital creativity.
The world of photography is also facing an unprecedented transformation. In the coming years, synthetic images will become increasingly realistic, more widespread and more difficult to distinguish from real photographs.
At the same time, detection tools will continue to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and accurate. However, ARTFreeLife’s editorial philosophy will remain unchanged.
For us, a photograph is not only a visually beautiful image. It is the result of a real experience. It is the testimony of a real instant. It is the encounter between light, time, sensitivity and the personal vision of the photographer.
Our position is not a criticism of Artificial Intelligence. We recognize AI as an extraordinary innovation that will profoundly transform the future of digital creativity.
ARTFreeLife simply chooses to remain a platform dedicated exclusively to photography.
Only by maintaining a clear distinction between authentic photography and AI-generated imagery can we preserve the cultural, documentary, historical and editorial value of photography.
We thank all authors for their understanding, collaboration and respect for these guidelines.
The Editorial Team
ARTFreeLife
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