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Civitai
Generative AI platform From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Civitai is an online platform and marketplace for generative AI content, primarily focused on AI-generated images and models.
History
Civitai was founded in 2022 by Justin Maier.[1][2] By January 2023, the site reached 100,000 registered users and 3 million by November.[2] In November 2023, Civitai secured funding from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.[2] By April 2024, Civitai had 23.2 million monthly accesses.[3] The company is headquartered in Boise, Idaho.[4]
Platform
Civitai allows users to share and download AI models, particularly those used for image generation.[2] The platform supports various AI models, including Stable Diffusion and Flux, and provides a space for users to showcase and monetize their AI-generated content.[2][5] Users have profile pages and can comment on other users' models and images.[6]
The website also features a virtual currency called Buzz that can be used to generate images on Civitai's servers.[7] Buzz can be bought or earned by engaging with the site.[7]
The platform is open source.[8][9]
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Controversies
In 2023, 404 Media reported that Civitai began a "bounties" marketplace where users could commission deepfakes, of real or fake people.[10][7] Users are rewarded for completing bounties with buzz.[7]
In December 2023, AI provider OctoML announced it had ended its business relationship with Civitai after concerns were raised users were generating images that “could be categorized as child pornography.”[11]
Censorship
Since July 25th 2025, the platform has shut down in the UK in response to the Online Safety Act. This is because they're a small team. and they said they don't have the legal budget or manpower to decode and implement safety features, including age verification. Anyone in the UK visiting the website right now will see a message saying the platform is no longer available in that country.
References
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