Content Policy

1. Introduction

Scratch is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for artists and clients. This Content Policy outlines what content is and isn't allowed on our platform.

All users—artists and clients alike—are expected to follow these guidelines. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent bans.

2. Prohibited Content

The following content is never allowed on Scratch, regardless of context or artistic intent. This applies to all content on Scratch, including commission requests, request text, delivered artwork, portfolio samples, profile content, usernames, display names, and profile images.

Non-Consensual Content

Sexual content depicting non-consent, including rape, sexual assault, or coercion, is not permitted.

Real People Without Consent

Depictions of real individuals in sexual, nude, or compromising situations without their explicit consent are prohibited. This includes celebrities, public figures, and private individuals.

Extreme Illegal Content

Content depicting illegal acts is prohibited, including but not limited to child sexual abuse material (CSAM), bestiality, and content that sexualizes animals.

Minors in Sexual or Romantic Content

Any depiction of minors or minor-coded characters in sexual, suggestive, or romantic situations is strictly prohibited. This includes characters who appear underage regardless of stated fictional age.

Hate and Harassment

Content that promotes violence, discrimination, or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics is not allowed.

Prohibited Request Text

Commission request text that describes or solicits any of the prohibited content listed above is itself a violation of this policy. Users who submit requests containing prohibited descriptions may face immediate suspension, even if no artwork is produced.

3. Restricted Content (NSFW)

The following content is allowed on Scratch but must be properly tagged and is subject to additional restrictions.

Adult Sexual Content

Explicit sexual content between consenting adult characters is permitted when properly tagged as NSFW. Artists must enable NSFW in their settings to accept such requests, and the content must not violate any prohibited content rules.

Graphic Violence and Gore

Depictions of graphic violence, gore, or body horror are permitted when properly tagged. Content that glorifies real-world violence against specific individuals or groups is not allowed.

Sensitive Themes

Content depicting sensitive themes such as self-harm, suicide, or substance use is permitted for artistic or narrative purposes, but must not glorify or promote these behaviors. Such content should be tagged appropriately.

4. Artist Controls

Artists have control over the types of content they create:

• Artists choose whether to accept NSFW requests in their settings
• Artists may set additional personal restrictions beyond platform rules
• Artists may decline any request for any reason without explanation
• Artists are responsible for ensuring their delivered work complies with this policy

Clients should review an artist's profile and settings before submitting requests to ensure their request aligns with what the artist is willing to create.

Artists who accept and deliver requests containing prohibited content (Section 2) are in violation of this policy regardless of who initiated the request. The responsibility to refuse prohibited requests lies with both the client and the artist.

5. AI-Generated Content

Scratch is a platform for human-created art. All portfolio samples and delivered commissions must be substantially created by a human artist.

Not Permitted

• Using AI image generation tools (e.g., Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, Midjourney) to produce finished artwork or portfolio samples
• Tracing or painting over AI-generated images
• Submitting AI-generated images as portfolio samples
• Compositing AI-generated visual elements into final deliverables

Permitted

• Post-processing tools such as Photoshop filters, color adjustments, and noise reduction
• Traditional digital art tools including brush smoothing, perspective guides, and symmetry tools
• AI-powered spell-checkers and translation tools for text content
• Using AI-generated images as rough reference or mood boards only, provided the final artwork is entirely hand-created

Artists found to be delivering AI-generated content will be removed from the platform.

If you are unsure whether your workflow complies with this policy, please contact us at support@scratch.art before listing your services.

6. Intellectual Property

General Rules

• Do not request exact copies or reproductions of copyrighted artwork without proper rights
• Artists retain copyright to all original work they create
• Do not claim ownership of or resell artwork beyond the license granted at commission

For detailed information about usage rights and licensing, please refer to Section 6 of our Terms of Service.

Fan Art and Derivative Works

Fan art and derivative works of copyrighted characters are permitted at the artist's discretion. Artists may decline such requests for any reason. Scratch does not make any representations about the legality of fan art or derivative works and assumes no liability for intellectual property disputes arising from such commissions.

Takedown Requests

If you believe your copyrighted work has been used on Scratch without authorization, you may submit a takedown request to support@scratch.art. Please include:

• Identification of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
• Identification of the material on Scratch that you believe is infringing, with enough detail for us to locate it
• Your contact information
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law
• A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on their behalf

We will respond to valid takedown requests within 10 business days. The accused party may submit a counter-notice if they believe the takedown was made in error.

7. Reporting Violations

If you encounter content that violates this policy, please report it:

• Use the report button on any content, profile, or request that violates our guidelines
• Provide as much detail as possible about the violation
• Do not engage with or share violating content

We review all reports and take action as appropriate. For urgent safety concerns, please contact us directly at support@scratch.art.

8. Enforcement

Violations of this Content Policy may result in:

• Content removal: Violating content will be removed from the platform
• Warning: First-time or minor violations may result in a warning
• Temporary suspension: Repeated or serious violations may result in account suspension
• Permanent ban: Severe violations or repeated offenses will result in permanent removal from the platform

Prohibited content violations (Section 2) typically result in immediate suspension or ban without warning.

Enforcement During Active Commissions

If an artist is suspended while they have active commissions, any undelivered requests will be automatically cancelled and clients will receive a full refund. Compliant delivered work that has already been accepted remains accessible to the client.

If a client is suspended while they have pending requests, any unaccepted requests will be cancelled and refunded. Commissions already in progress will be handled at Scratch's discretion, and artists will be compensated for completed work.

9. Appeals

If you believe your content was removed or your account was actioned in error:

• Contact us at support@scratch.art with your username and details of the action
• Explain why you believe the decision was made in error
• Appeals are reviewed within 5-10 business days

We reserve the right to make final decisions on all content policy matters. Decisions on prohibited content (Section 2) are generally not subject to appeal.

10. Policy Updates

This Content Policy may be updated from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes by posting a notice on our platform. Your continued use of Scratch after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.