Lesson Content

Responsible representation in generated imagery.

AI generation systems reflect training data biases in their defaults – including representation biases regarding race, gender, age, body type, and cultural appearance. Professional image generation for commercial work requires deliberate specification rather than relying on defaults that may systematically underrepresent or misrepresent specific communities. Explicitly specify diverse representation when it serves the content's audience and purpose.

Avoiding deceptive image practices.

Professional ethical standards for AI imagery: do not present AI-generated images as real photographs when authenticity matters (documentary, journalism, historical contexts); do not generate images designed to deceive audiences about real events, real people, or real products; do not generate fabricated "evidence" imagery. The distinction between creative/commercial use and deceptive fabrication is fundamental to professional ethics.

Handling sensitive subjects.

Sensitive subjects in commercial imagery – content depicting real people, historical events, medical or health subjects, political content, cultural representations – require additional professional care. Verify that AI-generated content in these areas meets the specific ethical and legal standards applicable to the delivery context.

Disclosure standards.

Professional disclosure standards for AI imagery are evolving – many advertising standards bodies, publication guidelines, and platform policies increasingly require disclosure of AI-generated content. Stay current with the disclosure requirements applicable to your professional delivery contexts and build disclosure into the production workflow.