Real people and realistic images

We don't allow images of real people as avatars — at all. This applies whether the person is a global celebrity or completely private.

Specifically not allowed:

• Photographs of real people
• Edited, cropped or partial photographs — including images showing only hands or feet, blurred faces, or faces cropped out
• AI-generated portraits that depict or resemble a real individual
• Photorealistic images that could be mistaken for a real person, however they were created
• Sketches or illustrations of a recognisable individual
• Deepfakes, composites and morphs, under any circumstances
• Images whose original source can't be traced

What is allowed:

• Fully fictional, non-realistic artwork
• Characters inspired by public figures or fictional characters in text, in a fictional context, as long as no real or realistic imagery is used. If you want a visual likeness, generate an AI image in a semi-realistic, cartoon or anime style with no direct resemblance.

Characters based on a real person require that person's consent. Public figures may appear in clearly fictional contexts only.

Individuals who have publicly stated they don't wish to be portrayed or sexualised by AI are excluded entirely, even as inspiration.

Why: to stop real people being depicted without consent, and to prevent PixelChat being used to produce deepfakes.