Nikon says award-winning image was AI-generated

The camera maker Nikon determined that an image awarded in its competition was generated by artificial intelligence. The decision comes after the work sparked negative reaction due to the creation method used.

As a result of the case, the company said it is re‑evaluating the rules and procedures of its Small World in Motion contest. The aim is to review participation criteria and the conduct of the event’s evaluations.

Review of rules and procedures

The announced revision process includes a detailed analysis of the current regulations governing the Small World in Motion award. The organization seeks to adjust the contest’s institutional guidelines to address the use of new technologies in visual material development.

In image‑related awards and contests, defining clear guidelines is essential to steer participants and judging panels. Such regulations typically cover core aspects such as:

• Authorship criteria: rules regarding the creation process of works and the tools allowed;
• Editing parameters: rules on technical modulation limits and digital alteration of files;
• Compliance checks: procedures intended to verify that submissions meet the regulations.

Technological monitoring in contests

The rise of tools capable of generating automated images poses challenges for managing visual awards. The internal process review of Small World in Motion aims to restructure the competition, ensuring standards that fit the event’s evaluation and submission dynamics.

With information from BBC News.