Etsy is cracking down on AI slop. Here's what's changing.

Etsy says it is cracking down on “AI slop” by tightening how sellers can present listings after complaints that shoppers can’t tell what’s real. On Oct. 22, the marketplace announced new restrictions under its post “Creativity and Trust in the Age of AI.” Etsy banned AI-generated patterns, recipes, and other instructions that buyers follow to produce a finished product. Sellers must also provide at least one unedited photo showing the actual item in a real background for most listings; digital, customized, and made-to-order categories have different requirements. Etsy warned that misleading images could lead to refunds, while bot-generated listings without human involvement will be removed and may result in shop takedowns.