World Press Photo Contest reverses stance on AI-generated images following complaints

A hot potato: The controversial issue of whether AI-generated images should be allowed to enter photo competitions has been addressed by the World Press Photo Contest. Days after announcing that they would allow these images to be entered into the Open Format category, organizers have reversed their decision and decided to ban any AI-generated content.

Earlier this week, the World Press Photo Foundation said it would permit the use of generative AI in its Open Format category, which encourages entries that feature innovative techniques, non-traditional modes of presentation, and new approaches to storytelling. The only stipulation was that the images must still incorporate lens-based still photography as the source and central part of the work.

Unsurprisingly, many were angry that a competition recognizing the best and most important photojournalism and documentary photography was allowing AI-generated images to enter.

The outcry led to the foundation updating its rules to exclude AI-generated ...