Protecting Resource Originality in the Age of AI

[Tamer]

The XenForo Resources section is increasingly facing an originality problem that did not exist at this scale before the rise of AI-assisted development. In recent months, the number of add-ons that closely mirror existing functionality, appear shortly after original releases, or rely on AI-rewritten descriptions or documentation has noticeably increased. This is not about competition.

At present, the Resources section largely relies on post-publication reports. In an AI-driven environment this reactive model no longer seems sufficient to protect long-term resource quality and developer trust. I believe transparent safeguards are now necessary, such as a basic authorship/originality declaration on submission, clear and visible licensing information, disclosure of AI-assisted development or documentation, and internal checks when new submissions substantially overlap existing resources.

This suggestion is not aimed at any individual developer or add-on. It is about maintaining the Resources as a place where originality, effort, and long-term development are clearly valued. I’m interested in whether XenForo staff see this trend internally and if additional Resource Manager guidance or safeguards are being considered.

 

[Mr Lucky]

In recent months, the number of add-ons that closely mirror existing functionality, appear shortly after original releases

Isn’t this something that can happen with or without ai? I doubt it’s possible for a copyright to exist in the functionality of software, only the code.

This is not about competition.

Perhaps it should be. I would always prefer an addon coded by a human who can respond to support and bug reports. But will the traditional developers who do that be able to compete?