WP:AI image use

{{nutshell|In general, AI-generated images shouldn't be used in articles not related to AI itself.}}

Images generated wholly by AI should generally not be used to illustrate Wikipedia articles. Exceptions to this rule exist when the image is notable in itself or is used officially by a notable individual or organisation, when the article refers to AI art/images and there is consensus that an illustrative image may be useful, and when it is a simple diagram which accurately represents a process. The user adding the image should be expected to provide a rationale for use and seek consensus for the addition on the article talkpage.

Background

Three community discussions in 2025 resulted in a general prohibition on AI image use. Specifically, the discussions held that:

{{Tqq|There is clear consensus against using AI-generated imagery to depict BLP subjects. Marginal cases (such as major AI enhancement or where an AI-generated image of a living person is itself notable) can be worked out on a case-by-case basis.}}{{Slink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/AI_images#BLPs|}}
{{Tqq|There's general opposition to using AI-generated [medical images], although there might be greater room for exceptions [than with BLP images], especially for very simple images.}}{{Slink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/AI_images#Guideline_against_use_of_AI_images_in_BLPs_and_medical_articles?|}}
{{tqq|Subject to common sense and with a number of exceptions, most images wholly generated by AI should not be used on [the English-language Wikipedia]. Obvious exceptions include articles about AI, and articles about notable AI-generated images. ... The community objects particularly strongly to AI-generated images (1) of named people, and (2) in technical or scientific subjects such as anatomy and chemistry.}}{{Slink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/AI_images#Relist_with_broader_question:_Ban_all_AI_images?|}}

What is covered by this guideline

For the purposes of this guideline, an "AI-generated image" is

An image developed by AI based only on a prompt, even if it is edited by a human afterwards or the prompt is very detailed.
An originally human-made image, modified by AI in a manner that introduced new details.

This guideline applies even when the image is the only image available of the subject, and even when the image has no immediately obvious flaws.

=Examples=

File:A man having an idea before the light bulp.jpg|Wholly AI-generated.

File:Catharina Klein AI enhanced.jpg|AI-enhanced

File:Catherine Klein The Art Amateur Vol 47 No 1 New York and London July 1897 page 8 retusche.jpg|The original

Exceptions

= Possible acceptable usage =

AI-generated images may be appropriate – and can be decided on on a case-by-case basis – when one or several of the following is true:

The AI image itself is notable and is the subject of the article.
Example: :File:Alice and Sparkle cover.jpg in Alice and Sparkle
The image is a variation or alternative version of a notable AI image, and the article is about that image.
Example: :File:Space opera 1 – Midjourney – Jason M. Allen – Colorado State Fair Fine Arts Competition entrant.jpg in Théâtre D'opéra Spatial
The article is about AI or AI-adjacent topics, and the image is used as and example of AI-generated art.
Example: :File:DALL-E 2 artificial intelligence digital image generated photo.jpg in DALL-E
The image is a very simple icon or diagram; if the latter, it is entirely accurate. For this type of image, it is especially important that consensus has been reached on the talk page to include it.
Example:
The AI-generated image was developed for official purposes by an organization or person to represent themselves.
Example:

= Case-by-case consensus required =

Absent explicit consensus, AI-generated images may never be used to depict the following:

A living, possibly living, or recently deceased person. This applies on all articles, not just the depicted person's biography.
Medical, technical, or scientific subjects