I have recently come across a user (I am sure there are many) that is uploading images that are AI generated or at least heavily enhanced. I realize this is probably nothing new, but I feel that if this behavior is allowed to continue this will no longer be a nature lovers’ site. With the rapid incr…

OK, this has been released: https://www.inaturalist.org/blog/118284

I just read the guidelines again and it is mute on the issue. Maybe a photo pre-processing section in the guidelines would help: Cropping should be encouraged. I think adjusting light and white balance are acceptable. Retouching should be banned or at least discouraged. AI enhancement should be…

[image] vbjanos: I just read the guidelines again and it is mute on the issue. Most guidelines were decided upon 10 years ago I suppose, usage changes… I just got a new phone and AI enhancement is turned on by default. I’d therefore say most pictures taken by a phone camera in the last few y…

[image] fincadinamica: it seems that it should be required of users that they specify if their images are AI generated or enhanced I would say that, simply, it would be better to strictly forbid the use of such images and users that upload such pictures should be seriously warned not to do so…

“AI enhancement is turned on by default” That’s…pretty terrible. So now less realistic photos will become the default, all because of tech companies obsession with forcing AI into everything

It does depend on how much the enhancement is actually doing…

[image] reiner: I just got a new phone and AI enhancement is turned on by default. @reiner which phone is that if you don’t mind me asking? [image] vbjanos: I just read the guidelines again and it is mute on the issue. Yes, I’m working on guidelines plus a new flag for completely fake…

[image] tiwane: which phone is that I got a low end phone with android 14 and upgraded to android 15 (moto g55, but I don’t think brand would matter so I initially wasn’t going to say). Camera → Settings → Shot Optimization (Enhance photos with automatic tuning and AI scene detection) is on …

We haven’t been ruined yet. Your concern of fabrications is exactly why I am asking for help.

Exactly. And I am requesting an update to the guidelines and for the guidelines to be firm. We just can’t depend on (some) people to do the right thing on their own.

AI Generated or Enhanced Images as "observations"

General

DianaStuder July 25, 2025, 12:48pm 13

but, outside of iNat, people LIKE Glorious Technicolour, who cares if the ‘enhanced’ details are wrong. I mean, WHO will ever notice, a missing leg or an extra wing?

For iNat obs, please upload pictures of reality.

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AI Generated or Enhanced Images as "observations"

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