This error means Target's automated image review flagged one of the photos Acenda sent for your item. Target holds the item, or your latest update to it, until the flagged photo is replaced with one that passes review.
The good news: Target tells you which photo it flagged, so you usually only need to swap out one image.
The error you'll see: MINOR_DATA_VALIDATION: Image may contain sensitive material
What it means
Target's automated image review flagged the photo as possibly unsuitable for its site. Target doesn't publish the exact rules behind this check, and its message doesn't say what in the photo caused the flag.
False positives are common. Ordinary photos get flagged too. For example, a plain product graphic with nothing sensitive in it has been flagged. A close-up crop, a model's pose or the shape of a garment can be enough.
It's about one photo, not the whole listing. Your other images and product details can be fine. Only the flagged photo needs to change.
Don't count on "MINOR" meaning the item will list anyway. If the item isn't live on Target yet, it stays off Target.com until the flagged photo is resolved. If the item is already live, Target usually keeps the earlier approved version live and holds back your update, including any other changes you made.
Where you'll see it in Acenda
Item Issues: In the sidebar, under CHANNELS, click Item Issues. The error is listed with the item's SKU and a Source of channel, which means it came from Target. The Attribute Path column tells you which photo was flagged: Main Image, or Additional Image 1, Additional Image 2 and so on. For more on this page, see How to Fix Marketplace Listing Errors.
Item Issues (AI): AI Suggested Fixes doesn't offer a fix for this error, because the fix is a new photo, not a data change. To learn what the AI does cover, see Getting Started with Acenda IQ: AI Suggested Fixes.
How to find the flagged photo: Acenda sends your item's images to Target in the same order you see them on the item. Main Image is the image set as the main image. Additional Image 1 is the first image after it, Additional Image 2 is the second, and so on. For example, Additional Image 3 is the fourth photo overall.
How to resolve it
Replace the flagged photo on the item. Acenda then sends the updated images to Target, and Target reviews them again.
Open the item. In the sidebar, under CATALOG, click Items, then click the eye icon next to the item. Open the variant (the specific size or color) that has the error. Target takes each variant's photos from the variant itself, while the parent product only sends its main image.
Find the Media section. On the Details tab, scroll to Media and click the pencil icon to edit.
Add the new photo. Click Upload Image or Add from URL. For size and format rules, see Image Optimization & DAM Technical Specifications.
Put it in the flagged photo's place. Remove the flagged photo, drag the new one into the same position, and set its Type to match (main for the main image, alternate for an additional image).
Save. Click Save Changes. Acenda sends a new photo to Target once it has finished processing.
Check Item Issues. Acenda usually sends the change to Target within an hour. Target may take longer to process it. When Target accepts the new photo, the error clears from Item Issues automatically.
Replace, don't just delete. Deleting the flagged photo without adding a new one shifts the numbering of every photo after it, and we can't confirm that Target drops the old photo from its side. Replacing it is the reliable fix.
If the same photo is used on many items, see Bulk Updating Product Images in Acenda.
Tips for a replacement photo
Target doesn't publish what passes, but sellers have had success with:
A more conservative pose or a different camera angle when a model is in the shot.
A ghost mannequin or flat-lay shot for apparel, swimwear and intimates.
The product on a plain white background.
No text, symbols or graphics in the frame.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
I re-saved the item, but nothing changed. Saving without a real change to the photos doesn't send anything new to Target. Target only reviews again when the flagged photo has actually been replaced.
I replaced the photo and the error came back. Target flagged the new photo too, or a different one. Check the Attribute Path in Item Issues again, since it may now point to another photo. Try one of the tips above, such as a flat lay on a white background.
Several variants have the same error. Each variant sends its own photos, so fix the flagged photo on every variant that shows the error.
The photo is clearly fine. Can Target review it again? Acenda can't overrule Target's image review. If you're sure it's a mistake, open a case in the Target+ Partner Portal with the SKU, the photo and the full error text. Replacing the photo is usually faster.
How is this different from "This item was unable to be processed"? That error doesn't name a photo or field. This one points to a specific image. See Troubleshooting Target+ Error: "MINOR_DATA_VALIDATION: This item was unable to be processed.: unknown.".
Still not sure which photo it is? Contact Acenda Support with the SKU and the full error text, including the Attribute Path.
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Still stuck? Contact Acenda Support and we'll help you work through it.