DIGITALLY ALTERED MEDIA
Disclosure of Digitally Altered Images
NEW POLICY INFORMATION
A photo is considered digitally altered when software or AI is used to add, remove, or significantly change image content. Standard photo adjustments for clarity are permitted, provided they do not misrepresent the property.
ARMLS is implementing a new transparency-focused photo policy requiring Subscribers to disclose and document any digitally altered listing photos.
Rule 8.23
Digitally Altered Media Disclosure
- Amended to include that one cannot digitally alter media unless the disclosure requirements are met.
- Amended to include that digitally altering media is allowed but requires, at a minimum, the MLS watermark “Digitally Altered” disclosure on the photo paired up with the original unaltered image
Subscribers must upload the original, unaltered photo directly before or after the watermarked, altered version.
EXAMPLES OF DIGITALLY ALTERED
Digitally Altered Landscaping
Original Unaltered Photo
Digitally Altered Staging
Original Unaltered Photo
Digitally Altered Power Lines Removed
Original Unaltered Photo
EXAMPLES NOT CONSIDERED DIGITALLY ALTERED
Standard adjustments such as brightness, contrast, color, cropping or sharpening because they do not change the substance of the image.
Brighten or Sharpen Images
Sky and Color Grading
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Contact Info in the Media
Adding Photos in Flexmls
New Photo Visibility Options
ARMLS APPROVED WATERMARKS
If you have still photography added to virtual tours or videos, the Digitally Altered disclosures are still required. Utilize the ARMLS Approved Watermark below to add to your digitally altered stills within your videos or virtual tour.
Note: The Flexmls Digitally Altered Watermark (added within Flexmls) is required for all photos added in Flexmls that have been digitally altered.
POLICY & FINE TIMELINE
Rule Implementation
(Starting 5/28/2026)
A violation of failure to follow the digitally altered disclosure is mandated. The Penalty Violation category of the ARMLS Penalty Policy, with a finable offense of $200.
Education Phase
(June 2026- November 2026)
Fine abatement begins for 6 months: ARMLS will begin to enforce the new disclosure rules with no fines issued. Fines abated for six months.
Enforcement Phase
(December 2026- onward)
Fine abatement ends. Subscribers can submit photos for review.
$200 – ARMLS will issue a $200 for any violation of this policy.
FAQS
Do I have to add a watermark to a photo if I removed a yard sign?
No, please blur and follow the blurring guideline on this blog.
Do I have to add a watermark to a photo if I decluttered a room?
Yes, an image is digitally altered when adding, removing, or changing content.
Do I have to add a watermark to a photo if I remove valuable items?
Yes, an image is digitally altered when adding, removing, or changing content.
Do I have to add a watermark if I changed the color of the sky?
No. Please submit a photo for review if you are unsure.
Do I have to add a a watermark to a photo if I add a fire to the fireplace?
Yes. For fireplaces, an image is digitally altered when adding, removing, or changing content.
Do I have to add a watermark to a photo if a wall is under construction?
No. But if you alter the wall as completed, then yes, add a digitally altered watermark.
Is virtually staging now prohibited?
No, virtual staging is allowed. You are now required to disclose Digitally with a Digitally Altered disclosure watermark.
If you choose to denote with a watermark on other forms of media that are virtually staged, you must use an ARMLS-approved watermark. Please note this also means copyright or other companies’ watermarks are still prohibited.
SUBMIT A PHOTO
Want some extra clarification? Submit your photo for Data Integrity’s approval.