Photojournalism | World’s top photojournalism prize says no to AI-improved pictures

 The World Press Photo Foundation has made a significant change in its entry rules, specifically excluding AI-generated images from their competitions, even in the Open Format category. This decision, although initially allowing such entries, was quickly reversed due to strong opposition from photojournalists who argued that AI-created visuals clash with the industry's principles of capturing genuine real-world events.

Acknowledging the feedback received, the Foundation altered the rules, explicitly prohibiting the submission of AI-generated images across all contest categories. This prohibition extends even to the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year category. The revised regulations permit the use of AI editing tools that facilitate automatic adjustments for post-processing images captured with lens-based cameras. However, tools introducing new content, such as generative fill in software like Adobe Photoshop or certain Topaz AI applications aimed at enhancing resolution via generative AI, are now banned.


Photojournalism

The decision showcases the Foundation's commitment to upholding the authenticity and integrity of photojournalism, aligning with the industry's core values of documenting reality without the influence of AI-generated content. The World Press Photo Foundation's decision reflects an effort to establish firmethical guidelines for photography in the age of AI. Their aim is to preserve the essence of photojournalism, ensuring its continued ability to authentically represent our collective reality without blurring the line between genuine documentation and AI-generated "art."

These updated guidelines are especially critical considering the integration of AI tools and enhancements into camera software, notably in recent smartphones like Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

The backlash against these new Google devices stems from AI-based features that allow easy manipulation of images, enabling alterations such as changing facial expressions or swiftly removing individuals or objects from a scene. Such modifications, even if achievable through traditional photo editing programs, don't align with the typical standards of photojournalism, which prioritize an accurate portrayal of events without deliberate alterations.

Source: https://www.domusweb.it/en/news/gallery/2023/11/22/the-world-press-photo-contest-takes-a-zero-tolerance-stance-on-ai-generated-photos.html


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