Shutterstock and United Nations Host AI Image Challenge

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In collaboration with the United Nation’s AI for Good initiative, Shutterstock has launched an exciting artificial intelligence image contest.

The competition, called Canvas of the Future, encourages participants to submit AI-generated images that reflect their vision for a sustainable future in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

These goals cover a wide range of important areas such as poverty eradication, hunger alleviation, quality education, clean water and sanitation, and climate action, among others.

The contest falls under the UN’s ITU AI for Good program, which aims to leverage the AI revolution to make positive changes in the world. The esteemed panel of judges includes Shutterstock’s Chief Technology Officer Sejal Amin and its Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Alessandra Sala.

According to the contest’s submission guidelines, entrants must provide a high-resolution digital image (300 dpi +). Interestingly, the guidelines also mention that the AI image must be created using ethically-sourced and licensable creative tools to ensure responsible use of AI.

This requirement aligns with Shutterstock’s position as the operator of a DALL-E powered AI image generator that prioritizes ethical creation.

Shutterstock’s commitment to responsible AI extends beyond the contest. It was reported earlier this year that the company may have paid out over $4 million to photographers and artists, whose work was used to train text-to-image models. Moreover, Shutterstock offers its customers full indemnification, shielding them from potential claims related to image usage.

It is worth noting that Shutterstock has not yet publicized the AI image competition through press releases or social media posts, but this may change in the near future. At present, we are seeking comments from Shutterstock on this matter.

The deadline for contest submissions is set for February 29. The winner will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the AI for Good Global Summit 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. This event promises to be a significant platform for promoting AI-driven progress in various fields.

In October, the announcement of the “world’s first” AI image awards took a controversial turn. The Ballarat International Foto Biennale faced criticism after awarding $2,000 to a “promptographer” for her AI-generated portrayal of two sisters embracing an octopus. This incident further highlights the growing influence of AI in the world of photography and the discussions surrounding it.