How Can I Build an Image Hosting Site with Minimal Regulation?

Starting with your own server instead of relying on cloud services may give you more freedom, especially if you want to avoid third-party limitations. Just remember that this will require you to handle server maintenance and uptime yourself, which can be a hassle.

Relying solely on AI moderation might be risky. AI can miss crucial content, which could lead you into legal trouble. It's not only about what gets uploaded; it’s also about how you manage and moderate that content afterward.

The complex part of hosting an image site involves bandwidth costs and moderation. If you’re looking for flexibility, consider hosting your frontend as a static site on GitHub Pages and your backend on Supabase. This way, you won’t be heavily tied to one service, making migration easier later if needed.

You need to be aware of the legal risks. If you’re allowing unrestricted uploads, you might encounter a lot of inappropriate content, including potentially illegal material. It’s essential to have strong legal terms in place to protect yourself. Also, you have to be prepared for heavy bandwidth usage since unrestricted hosting can lead to abuse and increased costs. Make sure your security is robust to handle these challenges.

Creating an open image host has its pitfalls. If you don’t implement effective moderation, your site might inadvertently distribute illegal content, like CSAM. This could make you liable. Outsourcing content moderation can be costly, and if you’re looking for a free-for-all site, just know it comes with significant risks.