Real people and realistic images

Our policy on this was updated recently and became stricter. If you last read the rules a while ago, please read this.

We don't allow images of real people as avatars — at all. This applies whether the person is a global celebrity or completely private, and whether or not the image contains nudity.

Specifically not allowed:

• Photographs of real people
• Edited, cropped or partial photographs — including images showing only hands or feet, blurred faces, or faces cropped out
• AI-generated portraits that depict or resemble a real individual
• Photorealistic images that could be mistaken for a real person, however they were created
• Sketches or illustrations of a recognisable individual
• Deepfakes, composites and morphs, under any circumstances
• Images whose original source can't be traced

What is allowed:

• Fully fictional, non-realistic artwork
• Characters inspired by public figures or fictional characters in text, as long as no real or realistic imagery is used. If you want a visual likeness, generate an AI image in a semi-realistic, cartoon or anime style with no direct resemblance.

Exception: individuals who have publicly stated they don't wish to be portrayed or sexualised by AI are excluded entirely, even as inspiration.

Why: to stop real people being depicted without consent, and to prevent SpicyChat being used to produce deepfakes.

Details: Community Guidelines — Respect for Personal Rights