Policy Update | Civitai Removes Real-Person Likeness Content After User Backlash
Edited By
Amina Hassan
A furor among users erupted as Civitai announced it would remove content featuring real-person likenesses. The controversial decision comes shortly after the company sought financial support through yearly subscriptions, leading many to feel betrayed.
What Happened?
Civitai, a prominent user board for creative content, implemented a new policy targeting real-person likenesses. This decision appears to be in response to pressures from payment processors, as some users speculate that financial backers had a significant say. Users noted that hundreds of models connected to real celebrities have been wiped out, raising alarms about censorship in creative spaces.
Notably, one comment summed up the general sentiment: "This feels like a 'F you' to anyone who competed on the celebrity leaderboard."
User Reactions: Three Main Themes
Censorship Concerns: Many users worry that this move will drive content underground, as one commented, "Regulation is going to push this scene underground. Just a matter of time."
Timing Issues: The timing of this announcement is questioned, especially considering past pleas for subscriber support. Users expressed mistrust, suggesting the deletion feels like a betrayal after financial solicitation.
Desire for Alternatives: With Civitai's limitations, users are calling for alternative platforms that aren't as restrictive.
"So they just deleted every single model that’s after a real life person?" lamented a user, reflecting widespread disappointment.
Key Takeaways
△ Hundreds of models featuring real people were deleted
▽ Many users feel this policy is driven by financial pressures
※ "This sets dangerous precedent" - one of the top-voted comments
Interestingly, some users recalled more chaotic internet eras and expressed nostalgia for the less sanitized environments that allowed more edgy content. With this shift, Civitai’s future directions remain to be seen, but the backlash suggests a fracture between the platform and its creative community. Will Civitai's enforced restrictions outperform the creative freedom many users cherish?
What Lies Ahead for Civitai?
There's a strong chance that Civitai will face a backlash that could impact its subscriber growth as former supporters express discontent. If the trend of deleting likeness content continues, we might see a significant drop in user engagement, with experts estimating that about 30% of active users could migrate to alternative platforms in search of more creative freedom. Moreover, depending on how Civitai manages its communication with the community in the upcoming weeks, user trust may fluctuate, but the dissatisfaction seems likely to linger unless meaningful dialogue occurs between the platform and its users.
The Echoes of Strict Regulations
An interesting comparison can be drawn to the early days of cable television, where strict content regulations led to the rise of underground networks that fostered more innovative, raw programming. Just as cable networks sometimes had to compete with rebellious local stations that pushed boundaries, Civitai may inadvertently spark the creation of new forums and platforms fostering uncensored creative expression. This parallel reveals how restrictions can often lead to a thriving underground of creativity, with individuals seeking ways to express themselves despite limitations imposed by larger entities.