AI Images on Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo!: 5 Violation Patterns and Countermeasures (2026 Edition)
⚠️ This article is based on laws and marketplace terms as of April 2026. Please check the official pages of each marketplace and the relevant authorities for the latest information.
To those operating stores on Rakuten Ichiba, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping.
Is it okay to use AI-generated images on product pages? Have you ever felt unsure about this?
“Is it forbidden to create product photos with AI?”
“Is it safe to replace just the background with AI?”
“Other stores are using high-quality AI images. Is it okay for me to do the same?”
To put it simply, if you avoid the following five patterns, you will almost certainly not be in violation.
You don't need specialized knowledge of law or technology. Let's look at them one by one.
📌 60-Second Summary: 5 Violation Patterns
You only need to remember this to be safe.
Recreating the actual product with AI (Prohibited on all marketplaces; violation of the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations)
Leaving AI-generated 'provenance information' in Amazon main images (New trend for 2026)
Advertising with AI models that resemble real celebrities (Violation of publicity rights and Yahoo! terms)
Creating AI before-and-after images for cosmetics or health foods (Violation of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act)
Intentionally erasing 'marks' or 'provenance' embedded in images (Violation of Copyright Law)
I will explain the reasons for avoiding these five points and the countermeasures in order. The estimated reading time is about 15–20 minutes.
🗂️ Table of Contents (Quick Reference by Scenario)
Please jump to the section you want to know about.
🔍 Basics of Technology and Terms
What are SynthID and C2PA?
Differences in the 3 Marketplace Terms
⭕❌ Determining OK/NG
When to use and when not to use
Details of the 5 violation patterns
⚖️ Points of caution by industry
Cosmetics, health foods, food, and apparel
🔒 Risk avoidance and latest trends
Risks of removing image watermarks
EU AI Act and future regulations
Essential checklist
1️⃣ SynthID and C2PA — The "invisible fingerprint" and "birth certificate" of images
Why is "image authenticity" (a mechanism to distinguish whether an image is real or AI-generated) becoming an issue now? There are two technologies in the background.
They have difficult names, but if you compare them to a fingerprint and a birth certificate , they become much easier to understand.
🔍 SynthID = The "invisible fingerprint" of an image
SynthID is a technology developed by Google DeepMind. It automatically embeds a mark invisible to the human eye into AI-generated images.
There are three main features:
The mark is difficult to remove even with screenshots, compression, or cropping (the image must be significantly damaged to remove it completely)
It can be identified as "AI-made" when checked with the dedicated "SynthID Detector"
As of April 2026, marks are automatically added to Gemini, Lyria (music), NotebookLM (audio), Imagen (images), and Veo (video)
Think of it as a fingerprint. You won't notice it unless you examine it closely. It is embedded so strongly that the only way to remove it is to destroy the image.
💡 Note: "Nano Banana 2" (Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, Google's latest image generation AI) deployed by Google on February 26, 2026. Every image created is automatically tagged with SynthID and C2PA information. It is a mechanism where it is recorded that the image is AI-made without the user doing anything.
🔎 Steps to actually verify with SynthID (Gemini)
You can easily check whether an image is a Google-made AI image using the "@" command in Gemini. There is no need to install any special tools.
The procedure is just 4 steps
Open Gemini
Type "@" in the input field
Select "SynthID" from the suggestions (term = candidate list)
Attach the image you want to check and send it
Examples of judgment results (2 types)
⭕ In the case of an image created by Google AI (Gemini, Imagen, etc.)
"After checking the image you provided with SynthID, it was found that part or all of this image was generated or edited by Google's AI. This image is a design that combines text and graphic elements, and it is determined to have been created using AI technology."
❌ In the case of an image created by another company's AI such as ChatGPT (OpenAI)
"I checked the image you provided with SynthID. No digital watermark indicating that it was generated or edited by Google's AI was detected in this image. However, this tool cannot determine whether it was created using other AI tools."
💡 Key point
If the SynthID judgment says "present," it is made by Google; if it says "not present," it just means it is not made by Google. Whether it is an image from another company's AI like ChatGPT cannot be determined. To determine if it is from another company's AI, check the C2PA information (§ explained next) using a separate compatible viewer.
📜 C2PA = The "family register" of an image
C2PA is an open standard (term = a common rule that anyone in the world can use) that records "who created it, when, with what tool, and how it was edited" for images and videos.
It leaves a "family register" on the image as metadata (term = "creation/editing history information" embedded in the image file).
As of April 2026, there are 10 companies on the steering committee (term = core members who operate the standard).
Adobe, Amazon, BBC, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Publicis Groupe, Sony Group, Truepic
The standard version is C2PA Technical Specification 2.4 (the latest version as of April 2026).
Think of it as a family register.
You can read the creation history if you open it with a compatible viewer
If you edit it, the history is automatically added
If there is tampering, the signature will be broken, indicating it is suspicious
However, there are weaknesses.History information is lost just by re-encoding when uploading to SNS (term = processing to recreate the file in a different format) or by saving a screenshot It is like a family register that is detailed but printed on paper that is easily damaged by rain.
🔎 Steps to actually verify with C2PA (C2PA Viewer)
C2PA history information can be easily checked on a free site called C2PA Viewer. No installation of dedicated tools is required.
There are only 2 steps
Upload the image file you want to check
Example of verification results (for an image created with ChatGPT)
Verification Status: Valid, Untrusted Signer
Signer: OpenAI Media Service
Software Used: GPT-4o
Date Issued: April 23, 2026
-
Action History:
`c2pa.created` (Created with GPT-4o)
`c2pa.converted` (File format conversion)
💡 Key Takeaway
"Valid, Untrusted Signer" means that the digital signature is authentic, but the signer has not yet been registered on the official C2PA Trust List. As of April 2026, many signers, including OpenAI, remain "Untrusted." Even so, the image creation history (who, when, and which tool created it) can be read accurately.
⭕ The two are complementary — not rivals
To summarize:
SynthID: Hard to remove but history cannot be read (Fingerprint type)
C2PA: History is detailed but easy to remove (Family register type)
That is why the industry is moving toward layering both. Google has been participating in C2PA since 2024, using both SynthID and C2PA. OpenAI also attaches C2PA information to images generated by ChatGPT when distributing them.
Furthermore, between 2025 and 2026, devices that embed C2PA signatures at the time of camera capture have also appeared. The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 10 are prime examples. We have entered an era where "as-shot" content is recorded.
🔎 Quick Reference: When to use SynthID vs. C2PA
To resolve any confusion about which one to use, here is a quick reference guide.
Want to check if an image is 'Google AI-made'
→ Use the Gemini "@" command for SynthID verificationWant to read the image creation history (who, when, which tool)
→ c2paviewer.com for C2PA confirmationWant to know both (full verification of suspicious images) → Check with both tools in sequence
👉 Summary so far
SynthID = Hard-to-remove "invisible fingerprint"
C2PA = Detailed but easy-to-remove "family register"
The two are complementary; the industry is moving toward layering both
The standard version is C2PA 2.4 (as of April 2026).
2️⃣ Rakuten, Amazon, Yahoo! — Differences in the 3 Mall Guidelines
The answer to "How much can I use AI images?" varies by mall. If you don't grasp this, the same image could be a violation on one mall but not another.
🛒 Rakuten Ichiba: AI backgrounds are OK, the product itself is not
Rakuten released its "Product Image Processing Support AI" on June 20, 2024. Rakuten itself provides AI tools.
There are two key points.
Do not recreate the product itself with AI (making it a different color or shape than the actual item violates the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations).
Replacing backgrounds or adding decorations is OK (can be used for seasonal themes or lifestyle photos).
Using AI to add cherry blossoms or autumn leaves behind a real photo of a product is not a problem.
📦 Amazon: Consistency with the actual product is the standard
For main images, Amazon strongly requires that they "match the actual product."
The official Amazon Seller Central guidelines state the following:
The main image must be the actual product itself.
The background must be pure white (RGB 255, 255, 255).
The product must occupy 85% of the image.
In this context, AI-generated product images cannot be used in principle.
Furthermore, entering 2026, cases have been observed in the industry where Amazon's A9 algorithm (the mechanism by which Amazon ranks products in search results) automatically suspends images identified as "AI-synthesized" via C2PA information.
However, this is currently at the stage of industry media reports and is not an official Amazon announcement. For those using Amazon, avoiding AI for main images is the safest strategy.
Note: This pattern is based on industry observations, not an official policy announcement from Amazon. Please be sure to check the latest information in the official Amazon Seller Central policies.
🛍️ Yahoo! Shopping: Guidelines not yet published; following Rakuten's standards is safe
As of April 2026, Yahoo! Shopping has not published any guidelines specifically for AI images.
However, Yahoo! Affiliate terms prohibit expressions that use AI models resembling real people to simulate recommendations.
The operational guideline is to align with Rakuten's standards. If you draw a line where backgrounds are OK but the product itself is NG, you can keep the risk of violating terms low.
📋 Quick Reference Table for 3 Mall Policies
[Rakuten Ichiba]
Background AI: ⭕ OK
Product AI: ❌ NG (Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations)
Note: Rakuten provides 'Product Image Processing Support AI'
[Amazon]
Background AI: ⚠️ Consistency with the actual product is the principle; industry observations suggest C2PA auto-blocking
Product AI: ❌ NG (Violation of main image policy)
Note: Industry observations suggest the A9 algorithm references C2PA tags
[Yahoo! Shopping]
Background AI: ⚠️ Guidelines not published; alignment with Rakuten standards recommended
Product AI: ❌ NG (Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations)
Note: AI models resembling real people are prohibited in affiliates
👉 Key points so far
Rakuten: Background AI OK, Product AI NG
Amazon: Consistency with the actual product is the principle; avoid AI images
Yahoo!: Guidelines not published; align with Rakuten standards
3️⃣ ⭕/❌ Situations Where You Can and Cannot Use Them
Based on the differences between the three malls, I have organized situations where you might be unsure in practice for you. I have summarized this in a format you can keep on hand for checking starting tomorrow.
⭕ Situations where it is OK to use
Background decorations and stock photos (seasonal feel, scene staging)
Compositing real product photos with AI backgrounds (Rakuten)
Illustrations of product usage scenes (as sub-images)
Background elements for banners and advertisements (mall ads, social media ads)
Decorative images for blog and social media posts
❌ Situations to avoid
Recreating the product itself using AI (color, shape, and texture differ from the actual item)
Editing before-and-after photos to make them look effective (cosmetics, health foods)
Using AI models that resemble real celebrities to make it look like an endorsement
Using AI images for Amazon main product images
Intentionally removing C2PA or SynthID watermarks
💡 Decision criteria when in doubt
When in doubt, please ask yourself the following three questions.
Does the 'actual product' match the 'photo'? → If they do not match, there is a risk under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
Who does it look like is endorsing whom? → Resembling a real person poses a risk to publicity rights
Are you 'visually' emphasizing 'effects'? → Efficacy claims like those for pharmaceuticals carry risks under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act
If all three are 'okay,' you are fine to use it. If even one is flagged, it is safer to avoid it.
4️⃣ Details of the 5 Violation Patterns
We will look at the 5 patterns mentioned in the 60-second summary one by one.
❌ Pattern 1: Altering the actual product using AI
Violated Law: Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations (Misleading Representation of Superiority = Unjust representation that makes the product look better than it is; Article 5, Item 1)
Specific Example:
Changing the color of an actually blue mug to 'red' using AI
Processing a bag with a simple shape into a 'designer-style' look using AI
Why is it NG?
Because changing the appearance from the actual product misleads customers into thinking 'this is what the actual product looks like.' This constitutes a misleading representation of superiority under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.
Countermeasure:
Use actual photos for the product itself
Photograph the actual product for each color variation
❌ Pattern 2: Using AI images for Amazon main images
Violated Policy: Amazon Main Image Policy
Specific Example:
Using an AI-generated product image as the main image
Uploading an AI image while the C2PA information is still attached
Why is it NG?
Amazon has a basic requirement that 'the main image must match the actual product.' With the 2026 A9 algorithm update, cases have been observed in the industry where images with C2PA information indicating 'AI synthesis' are automatically suspended.
Countermeasure:
Always use real photos for the main image
If using sub-images to supplement usage scenarios, clearly state in the description that AI was used
❌ Pattern 3: Advertising with an AI model that resembles a real celebrity
Laws violated: Right of Publicity (Term = The right of celebrities to prevent their face or name from being used in advertisements without permission)
This is a right established by the Supreme Court ruling in the Pink Lady case (February 2, 2012, 2009 (Ju) No. 2056).
Specific examples:
An image where an AI model with a face resembling a popular idol appears to be using the product
Recommending products using AI-generated audio that mimics a famous talent's voice
Why is it NG?
The face and name of a real celebrity are protected by the right to protect their economic value (Term = the monetary value when a face or name is used in advertising). Even with a look-alike image, there is a risk of infringement if it appears they are endorsing the product.
Countermeasures:
Make it clear that the AI model is a 'completely fictional person'
If you must use a real person, obtain permission from their management agency
❌ Pattern 4: Creating before-and-after images for cosmetics and health foods using AI
Laws violated: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMD Act) / Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
Specific examples:
AI image of a 'face with wrinkles gone' for cosmetics
AI before-and-after of 'chubby to slim' for health foods
Why is it NG?
Cosmetics and health foods cannot claim medicinal efficacy or effects. Showing dramatic changes through AI processing leads directly to violations of the PMD Act.
Note that the administrative order (Term = a formal order from the Consumer Affairs Agency to 'correct the representation') received by Rohto Pharmaceutical on March 25, 2025, was not about AI processing, but a case regarding violation of the stealth marketing regulations of the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations (Article 5, Item 3). I am citing this as a reference case not because 'it was an administrative order due to AI processing,' but because they share the common point that 'failing to disclose that it is an advertisement distorts the consumer's judgment.'
Countermeasures:
Before-and-after photos must be real photographs only
Limit expressions to 'usage feel' or 'personal impressions'
❌ Pattern 5: Intentionally removing 'marks' or 'family registers' from images
Violated Laws: Copyright Act Article 113, Paragraph 3 (Rights Management Information = Prohibition of altering 'created information' data recorded in images) and Article 119, Paragraph 2 (Imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen, or both)
Specific Examples:
Uploading after deleting C2PA metadata using a tool
Applying multiple filters to erase SynthID marks
Why is it NG?
Unauthorized removal of an image's fingerprints or family register (see §1) is an act prohibited by copyright law. Furthermore, it also violates the tool's terms of service.
Countermeasures:
Leave metadata as is
Perform necessary business edits using authorized methods
5️⃣ Points of Caution by Industry
There are different points to be especially careful about for each industry.
It is like saying, the rules are different for baseball and soccer. Even with the same 'AI image,' the rules you must follow change depending on the industry. It is fine to read only the parts relevant to your own industry.
💄 Cosmetics
NG: Emphasizing efficacy and effects, such as erasing wrinkles or fading spots, using AI images
OK: Beautiful photography of the product itself, creating an atmosphere for usage scenes
Basis: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (Standards for Proper Advertising of Pharmaceuticals, etc. - Revised September 2017) / Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
🍵 Health Foods
NG: AI-generated before-and-after body shape changes
OK: Beautiful photography of product packaging, staging of meal scenes
Basis: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
Case Study: March 25, 2025, Cease and Desist Order to Rohto Pharmaceutical
🍱 Food
NG: Using AI to make plating look more luxurious, making it appear to have a larger portion than the actual product
OK: AI decoration of backgrounds and table settings
Basis: Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations (Misleading Representation of Quality)
👗 Apparel
NG: Using AI to change texture or color, AI-generated images of clothing worn by models resembling real people
OK: Product-only photography + AI background, use of fictional AI models (subject to confirmation with talent agencies)
Basis: Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, Right of Publicity
💡 Common Precautions for All Industries
For all industries, the following three points are common.
Do not create an appearance different from the actual product
Do not imply efficacy or effects like those of pharmaceuticals
Do not make them resemble real people
6️⃣ The Risk of Erasing Image "Fingerprints" and "Family Registers"
Honestly, there are times when you might want to "erase" marks like SynthID (fingerprints) or C2PA (family registers).
AI images from other stores look like they have higher quality
Won't it fail to sell if people know it's 'AI-made'?
However, you should avoid deleting it. There are three reasons for this.
📜 Reason 1: It violates copyright law
Article 113, Paragraph 3 of the Copyright Actprohibits the alteration of rights management information.
The penalty under Article 119, Paragraph 2is imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (or both). This is a law with real-world consequences.
📋 Reason 2: Violation of tool terms of service
Image generation tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Midjourney explicitly state in their terms of service that you must not delete C2PA information (since SynthID is Google's proprietary technology, support is limited to the Gemini family).
If your account is suspended for violating the terms, it will cause significant disruption to your business.
🔎 Reason 3: It will be disadvantageous in future mall audits
There is industry speculation that Amazon is already referencing C2PA tags in its A9 algorithm. It is highly likely that Rakuten and Yahoo! will implement similar mechanisms in the future.
We are entering an era where the 'history of deletion' itself will work against you.
👉 Conclusion
Use them while leaving the fingerprints and registration intact. This is the correct approach for 2026.
7️⃣ EU AI Act and future regulations
From 2026 onwards, overseas regulations will also affect Japanese e-commerce operations.
🇪🇺 EU AI Act Article 50 (Transparency Obligations)
It will be fully enforced on August 2, 2026.
Obligation to label AI-generated content as AI-made
Penalties for violations: 15 million euros or 3% of global turnover (whichever is higher)
Even if you are not selling directly to the EU, you may be affected if you market to EU residents. If you operate cross-border e-commerce, we recommend consulting with an expert.
🇯🇵 Movements by the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency
As of April 2026, guidelines specifically for AI images have not been published.
However, it is possible to prosecute under existing laws such as the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act for misleading representations of quality or violations regarding efficacy and effects. There is no need to wait for new legislation; existing laws are sufficient to handle this.
📊 Industry Statistics: AI Utilization in Japan (2026)
Domestic Generative AI Usage Rate: 54.7% (ICT Research Institute, February 2026)
AI Adoption Rate Among EC Businesses: 12.7% (Net Shop Manager Forum)
Under Consideration: +8.5 points (expected to increase in the future)
AI adoption in the EC industry is still at a stage where it will accelerate. By grasping the rules early, you can avoid panicking later.
8️⃣ Definitive Checklist
These are items you can use starting tomorrow. If you copy them and incorporate them into your internal rules, the risk of violations will be significantly reduced.
✅ Checks Before Creating Images
Is the main image a real photograph?
Have the product's color or shape been altered by AI?
Are you using AI models that resemble real people?
Have before-and-after images for cosmetics or health foods been AI-processed?
✅ Checks Before Uploading
Have you removed SynthID or C2PA information?
If AI is used, is it clearly stated in the description?
Are you using AI images for Amazon main images?
If selling to the EU, have you included an AI-generated disclosure?
✅ Industry-Specific Checks
Cosmetics: Does it imply efficacy or effects?
Health Foods: Are before-and-after photos only real-life shots?
Food: Is the portion size exaggerated?
Apparel: Do the texture and color match the actual product?
Running through this checklist once will eliminate most risks.
9️⃣ Summary: 3 Policies to Start Today
🥇 Policy 1: Prioritize 'Actual Product Consistency'
The product itself should be a real photo. Use AI only for backgrounds and decorations. Following this principle significantly reduces the risk of violating the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.
🥈 Policy 2: Do Not Remove 'Fingerprints' and 'Family Registers'
Do not remove SynthID and C2PA information; keep it intact. Removing them results in a double blow of copyright law violations and tool terms of service violations.
🥉 Policy 3: Reconfirm 'Industry-Specific Rules'
Cosmetics and health foods are particularly strictly regulated by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. For apparel, be mindful of publicity rights. It is reassuring to organize the rules for your specific industry once.
If you want to try it today, I recommend printing the Definitive Checklist (§8) and posting it in your image creation workflow. It takes 5 minutes.
[Part 1: AI Image Generation] Mass-produce EC product images with zero outsourcing | 7-element prompt collection for ChatGPT Image 2.0
📢 Next Preview
Next time, we will cover '2026 Edition: EC Customer Acquisition Strategy in the AI Search Era'. As Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, and ChatGPT Search become the norm, how do you optimize product pages? We will organize the practical aspects of LLMO.
📚 References and Citations
Standards and Technical Documents
C2PA Technical Specification 2.4 (Latest version as of April 2026)
🔗 https://spec.c2pa.org/specifications/specifications/2.4/Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI)
🔗 https://contentauthenticity.org/Google DeepMind SynthID
🔗 https://deepmind.google/technologies/synthid/
Official Terms and Guidelines
Rakuten Ichiba 'Product Image Editing Support AI' (Released June 20, 2024)
Amazon Seller Central 'Main Image Requirements'
Yahoo! Shopping Store Terms of Service
Yahoo! Affiliate Terms of Service
Laws and Administrative Documents
Consumer Affairs Agency 'Overview of the Revised Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations' (Effective October 1, 2024; Surcharge Increases and Direct Penalty Provisions)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 'Standards for Proper Advertising of Pharmaceuticals, etc.' (Revised September 2017)
Supreme Court 'Pink Lady Case' (Judgment of February 2, 2012; 2009 (Ju) No. 2056)
Copyright Act Article 113, Paragraph 3 and Article 119, Paragraph 2
Overseas Regulations
EU AI Act Article 50 (Fully effective August 2, 2026; Transparency Obligations)
Industry Data
ICT Research Institute 'Generative AI Usage Survey' (February 2026)
Net Shop Manager Forum 'EC Business AI Adoption Rate' (2026)
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on laws, terms, and technical information as of April 2026. Please check the official pages of each mall and the relevant government agencies for the latest information.
If legal judgment is required, please consult a lawyer or patent attorney.
Marketplace terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.
AI model names and versions (Gemini, Imagen, GPT, Claude, etc.) are based on information as of April 2026.
The claim that 'Amazon A9 algorithm automatically suspends listings due to C2PA' is currently an observation by industry media and is not an official Amazon announcement.
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Print out just one copy of the definitive AI image operation checklist (§8) starting tomorrow and post it in your image creation workflow. It will significantly reduce violation risks in 5 minutes.
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