Freelancer's Upwork account blocked over AI-generated profile photo
A freelancer reported that their Upwork account was permanently blocked for "identity misrepresentation" due to using an AI-generated profile photo, despite the photo being made to look like them. The freelancer, who had been Top Rated for four years, lost their main source of income and client relationships.
A freelancer reported on Reddit that their Upwork account was permanently blocked after four years as a Top Rated freelancer. Upwork cited "identity misrepresentation" as the reason, specifically the use of an AI-generated profile photo that was made to look like the freelancer. The freelancer stated they never tried to impersonate anyone and that their name, skills, and client work were all real. They had a 100% Job Success Score and 27 completed jobs. After the blocking, they replaced the photo with a real one and appealed, offering ID verification, but Upwork replied that the appeal process was exhausted and the decision was final. The freelancer expressed distress over losing their built reputation, client relationships, and income, as Upwork was their main source of income.