Adobe Faces Backlash for Selling AI-Generated Avatars in the Style of Famous Photographer

Adobe is under fire for selling AI-generated avatars in the likeness of famed photographer Ansel Adams. Adams' heirs publicly criticise Adobe, citing worry about the unlawful appropriation of his distinctive style. Adobe removes the offending photographs and contacts Adams' heirs privately.

Credit: Adobe

The Adams heirs publicly chastised Adobe over this contentious behaviour, claiming that "This behaviour has officially touched our nerves."

The problem was brought to light on June 4th, when Adams' heirs posted a screenshot on Threads, a popular online site. The screenshot revealed that pictures generated by AI and offered on Adobe Stock were labeled as "Ansel Adams style." This raised concerns about the unauthorised use of Adams' iconic style and the potential infringement of his artistic legacy.

Adobe's photo library platform, Adobe Stock, allows users to host and sell AI-generated images. However, the company requires users to have the appropriate rights or ownership of the content they upload. The "Contributor Clause" of Adobe Stock explicitly prohibits the use of prompts that contain the names of other artists or the copying of other artists' work.

In reaction to the uproar, Adobe quickly removed the problematic photographs and contacted Adams' heirs privately. The corporation expressed apologies and assured them that actions would be taken to avoid similar events in the future. However, Adams' heirs stated that they had been in direct contact with Adobe since August 2023, raising concerns about the efficacy of past communication efforts.

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• Adobe faces criticism for selling AI-generated avatars in the style of famous photographer Ansel Adams.

• Adams' heirs publicly reprimand Adobe, expressing their concerns about the unauthorised use of his iconic style.

• Adobe removes the offending images and reaches out to Adams' heirs privately.

Source: PINGWEST