Spam? Spam!
Recently, we were hit with an influx of spam targeting the comment section of images but also articles, and even the on-site DM system. The consistency of these attacks, including identical wording and link structures, points to the use of bots or scripts.
How it's affecting the Civitai experience
One of the biggest issues has been the sheer volume of these posts, all following similar formats, usually linking to phishing websites or services that aim to steal personal information. This behavior disrupts our platform, flooding the site with low-quality, harmful content that drowns out the community’s valuable contributions.
It not only poses a risk to our users but also undermines the trust and collaborative spirit that the Civitai community has worked so hard to build.
What’s most insidious about these attacks is how they leverage benign features like image comments or the ability to publish articles - tools we built to encourage creative exchange and learning.
What we're doing about it
We’ve implemented a series of changes to combat the influx of spam, and we’re already seeing positive results.
From placing limits on newly created accounts to improving our spam detection tools, we've taken steps to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Here’s a closer look at what we’ve put in place:
Restrictions on Newly Created Accounts
We’ve placed sensible limits on newly created accounts, ensuring they can only post a certain number of comments and articles per day. These restrictions are based on both account age and positive interactions with the platform. Our goal is to strike the right balance, protecting the platform from malicious activity while ensuring legitimate users can still engage freely. We’ll continuously monitor and tweak these limits over the next few days, making adjustments as necessary to ensure genuine users aren’t penalized.
Enhanced Spam Detection Monitoring
We've introduced improved tools to allow us to more efficiently identify and react to spam accounts. These tools enable us to detect patterns commonly used by bots or scripts and help us remove spam content more diligently, and in real-time. This proactive approach allows us to minimize the disruption caused by these accounts.
Quicker Responses to Spam Reports
We’re counting on the community’s vigilance too! By keeping a close eye on user-submitted spam reports, our moderation team can act swiftly and prioritize these cases. We know how frustrating it can be to come across spam, so we’re committed to addressing reports as fast as possible! If you see something, say something!
URL Blocklists
Another key measure we’ve implemented is the use of URL blocklists. We’ve started blocking many of the outbound links commonly used in spam messages, making Civitai a less attractive target for spammers. However, we recognize that we need to be cautious with this approach, as it’s important not to restrict genuine Civitai users who want to share legitimate links.
How you can help!
While our automated systems and moderation team are working hard to catch as much spam as possible, we rely on the vigilance of our community. User reports are crucial in helping us get the full picture - there’s always the possibility that something slips through the cracks, and we don’t want to miss anything.
So, don’t assume we’ve already seen it or know about it! If you come across any spam, please take a moment to report it using the on-site reporting tools;
Your reports help us respond faster and ensure that we maintain a safe, spam-free environment for everyone. Every report makes a difference! Thanks!