Code of Conduct

1. Principle

The ai-free label stands for creative and technical works that are produced without the use of generative artificial intelligence (“Generative AI”). Its purpose is to create transparency, strengthen trust in human-made work, and protect authentic human creativity and craftsmanship.

By using the label, creators voluntarily commit to complying with the principles and rules outlined in this Code of Conduct.

2. Definition of “AI-Free”

“AI-Free” means that no generative artificial intelligence systems were used to create, substantially generate, or materially alter the final work.

This applies to the following categories:

Literature & Texts

No use of Large Language Models or AI writing systems, including but not limited to:

ChatGPT

Claude

Gemini

Jasper

Sudowrite

or similar systems

This includes:

generating text passages

rewriting or paraphrasing substantial parts

AI-assisted storytelling or ideation that directly influences the final wording

Allowed:

spelling correction

grammar checking

formatting tools

purely technical editing assistance

Images & Illustrations

No use of generative image systems, including but not limited to:

Midjourney

Stable Diffusion

DALL·E

Adobe Firefly

or similar systems

Not allowed:

AI-generated imagery

AI-generated textures or backgrounds

AI inpainting or object generation

AI-based image synthesis

Music & Audio

No use of AI-generated music, vocals, compositions, or synthetic voice systems, including but not limited to:

Suno

Udio

AIVA

Vocaloid AI systems

AI voice cloning tools

or similar systems

Not allowed:

AI-generated melodies or harmonies

AI-created instrumentals

AI-generated lyrics

synthetic singing voices

cloned voices or deepfake vocals

Allowed:

traditional audio mastering

equalization

compression

noise reduction

non-generative studio effects

Software & Code

No use of generative AI coding systems to create substantial portions of source code, including but not limited to:

GitHub Copilot

ChatGPT

Claude Code

Cursor AI

Gemini Code Assist

or similar systems

Not allowed:

AI-generated code blocks

AI-written algorithms

AI-generated software architecture

AI-assisted code completion that materially contributes to the final implementation

Allowed:

syntax highlighting

linting

formatting tools

static analysis

debugging tools that do not generate original code

Video

No use of AI-generated video content or synthetic media, including:

AI-generated scenes

deepfake technology

AI avatars

text-to-video systems

AI-generated animation sequences

Allowed:

traditional editing

color grading

stabilization

subtitle generation

compression and rendering tools

3. Permitted Tools (Technical Aids)

The use of classical, non-generative tools is explicitly permitted.

This includes in particular:

Image Editing

Photoshop (without generative features)

Lightroom

Capture One

Affinity Photo

Audio Production

Logic Pro

Pro Tools

Ableton Live

Audacity

Video Editing

Premiere Pro

DaVinci Resolve

Final Cut Pro

Software Development

Visual Studio Code

IntelliJ IDEA

Sublime Text

traditional IDEs and compilers

General Technical Assistance

autocorrection

presets

equalizers

denoising

compression

automation scripts

non-generative statistical optimizations

Provided that these tools do not generate new creative content autonomously.

4. Grey Areas & Boundaries

The distinction between technical assistance and generative AI can sometimes be unclear.

Not Allowed

Generative Fill in Photoshop

AI-generated backgrounds

AI-created code suggestions copied into production

AI-generated melodies or lyrics

AI voice cloning

AI-created story structures or dialogue

text-to-image, text-to-code, text-to-music, or text-to-video generation

Allowed

technical restoration

stabilization

denoising

color correction

mastering

formatting

syntax checking

spellchecking

performance optimization tools that do not generate original creative output

The decisive criterion is whether the tool merely enhances existing human-created material or independently generates new expressive content.

5. Self-Commitment & Transparency

By using the label, creators confirm in good faith that their submitted work complies with this Code of Conduct.

The responsibility for truthful representation lies solely with the creator or rights holder using the label.

False, misleading, or deceptive use of the label may result in:

revocation of the label

removal from the ai-free community

public disassociation from the project

The label may only be used in connection with genuinely AI-free works.

6. Verification & Community Trust

ai-free.io operates on a principle of transparency and community trust.

Random spot checks may be conducted where appropriate. Community members may anonymously report suspected misuse of the label.

ai-free.io reserves the right to request reasonable clarification regarding workflows or production methods where concerns arise.

The goal is not surveillance or policing, but the preservation of trust and integrity within the creative community.

7. Intellectual Property & Rights

All copyrights, moral rights, trademarks, and related intellectual property rights remain exclusively with the original creators and rights holders.

The ai-free label does not transfer ownership, licensing rights, or legal authorship.

Creators are solely responsible for ensuring that:

they possess all necessary rights to the work,

their work does not infringe third-party rights,

and their use of the label complies with applicable laws and regulations.

8. Disclaimer of Liability

ai-free.io provides the label as a voluntary transparency initiative and does not guarantee or certify legal compliance, copyright ownership, or absolute absence of AI involvement.

ai-free.io shall not be liable for:

false claims made by users,

misuse of the label,

third-party disputes,

or damages arising from reliance on label usage.

Use of the label is at the creator’s own responsibility.

9. Future Adaptation

As AI technologies evolve rapidly, this Code of Conduct may be updated or expanded over time to reflect new technological, legal, and ethical developments.

Continued use of the label constitutes acceptance of the most current version of the Code of Conduct.