Nexus Mods update their generative AI-made mod tagging policy, dividing one label into three for more specific search filtering

While encouraging folks to report any mistagged mods

As you might be aware, mods made using generative AI - either to directly generate the likes of character voices or for tasks linked to development - seem to be getting more common as the controversial tech continues to become tougher to avoid no matter where you're looking. Such mods aren't against the rules of modding site Nexus Mods, provided they don't infringe on the rights of voice actors or use assets without permission and are appropriately tagged. This week, the modding site have moved to tighten up the latter, dividing a single AI-generated content tag into three more specific ones.

"We have been reviewing feedback for some time now regarding the usage of Generative AI tools on Nexus Mods, and we've come to the decision that we need to make some changes following these user discussions," Nexus Mods community manager Myrddin wrote in a post announcing the changes on July 29th. "One of the main points we've heard from the user base is that our current tag of "AI-Generated Content" is not sufficient; equating all generative AI use under one tag does not allow for nuance in filtering your mods feed on our platform. So, we're adding a few others and clarifying the requirements of these tags under a new tag category."

Going forwards, AI-generated mods can be tagged with one or more of three labels: AI-Generated Content, AI Media, and AI Assisted. The first is aimed at mods with "AI-Generated code, user interface elements, voices, dialogue, translations, music, in-game AI-generated assets". The second's for mods with AI-generated promo art, thumbnails, videos, mod page descriptions or other media that isn't part of their in-game makeup. Finally, AI Assisted provides a specific tag for mods which have "developer-led code, content, or mod assets, with limited AI involvement" and/or have used AI for texture upscaling, audio upscaling/cleaning, and concept art that's not in the final build.

Nexus mods add that the AI Assisted tag isn't aimed at any mods "primarily generated with AI", those should be filed under AI-Generated Content. To qualify for the AI Assisted tag, the modder will need to be able to provide "significant evidence of development and proven knowledge". Basically, they'll need to be able to show a history of how they developed the mod themselves or provide "other evidence of human-led design" as well as explain with "genuine expertise and understanding" how their mod's code or content works.

Nexus hope the new tags will "make searching mod content easier by adding tag nuance, and allow users to choose what kind of content they encounter on Nexus Mods". Meanwhile, they've done away with the old "reporting category for AI-Generated Content, which caused friction for users as it reached a 'dead end'". Instead, the focus is now on making sure mods using genAI are accurately tagged, with "miscategorised or mistagged" mods being in breach of Nexus' terms of service and at risk of action from moderators. Modders with concerns about their mod's tags are able to manage community tag voting via the extra options bit of section of Nexus' upload form, which I assume's a way to combat the potential for users to mislabel a mod with their votes.

This certainly isn't the last change the site will be making to how they handle mods made using genAI - they'll be "evaluating the impact of these tags and reviewing user feedback on an ongoing basis" - but from where I'm sitting it's a very welcome change. The easier it is to tell how a mod maker's used generative AI without relying solely on trawling through a description, the better as far as working out which mods are worth your time to try out or look into further. Some folks will automatically disregard any mod which fits any of these three tags, as is their right, but knowledge and specificity are power as the ways the tech might be used get ever more varied and we all have to keep re-evaluating the state of play.