VSCO Promises Your Photos Won’t Be Used to Train AI Models

Photographers sharing their work online have another thing to worry about beyond unauthorized reposts: their images potentially becoming training material for generative AI. VSCO is addressing that concern with an updated content policy, explicitly stating that it will not use members’ photographs to train generative AI models, regardless of whether they have free or paid accounts.

In a message to photographers, CEO Eric Wittman said the revised Creator Content Standards clarify how VSCO handles user content and distinguish between the AI tools it uses to support photographers and systems designed to generate new images or videos.

VSCO draws a line on generative AI

Wittman said VSCO does not use public or private user content to train generative AI models. The protection applies to all users, including those without paid memberships.

The company also says its external AI providers have agreed not to use content submitted through VSCO services to train generative AI models. This extends the stated restriction beyond VSCO’s own systems to outside providers supporting its features.

According to Wittman, the previous version of the Creator Content Standards used language that was too broad to make the company’s position clear. The revised policy is intended to remove that ambiguity and give photographers a clearer explanation of how their work is handled.

What about the AI tools VSCO already uses?

The announcement makes an important distinction between generative AI and other forms of artificial intelligence.

VSCO says it uses machine learning and non-generative AI across its platform to help photographers find work, discover people, edit images, and use its services. These tools are different from generative systems trained to produce new photographs, videos, or other media.

That distinction matters because the presence of AI in a photography platform does not automatically mean user images are being used to train image generation models. VSCO says it wants to continue using AI to improve tools and services for photographers while keeping their submitted content out of generative AI training.

The company did not provide a detailed breakdown of the specific machine learning systems or features covered by the announcement. Photographers looking for the precise policy language can consult the updated Creator Content Standards.

A response to photographers’ concerns

VSCO’s announcement comes amid growing debate over how creative work is used to develop generative AI systems. Photographers and other artists have raised concerns about their work being collected and used to train models that can produce images resembling the styles and subjects found in their portfolios.

Wittman framed the policy update as part of VSCO’s commitment to photographers, saying the company should help creators make a living from their work rather than treat their images as material for systems that generate new content.

VSCO’s announcement gives photographers a direct statement of its position, but the updated Creator Content Standards remain the document to consult for the full terms governing submitted work.

For photographers deciding where to publish their work, the question is no longer only how an image will be displayed, but also what the platform is allowed to do with it after upload.

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