The paper discusses the evolution and current status of automated structure validation in chemical crystallography, which was introduced about 12 years ago to assist with the exponential growth in crystal structure analyses. The validation process, now available as a web-based IUCr service called *checkCIF/PLATON*, checks the completeness, quality, and consistency of crystal structure data submitted in CIF format. The validation report generates a list of ALERTS indicating issues that need correction, checking, or comment. This has significantly reduced obvious errors in published structures, such as incorrect space groups. The paper highlights the importance of structure validation, especially for confirming the outcome of synthetic chemical work, and addresses the challenges posed by the increasing number of small-molecule structures and the lack of experienced crystallographers. It also discusses the current limitations of the validation process, such as the need for reflection data in some cases, and future improvements, including the integration of new validation tests and the handling of large or low-resolution protein structures. The paper concludes by emphasizing the role of structure validation in setting quality standards and saving time for both investigators and referees.The paper discusses the evolution and current status of automated structure validation in chemical crystallography, which was introduced about 12 years ago to assist with the exponential growth in crystal structure analyses. The validation process, now available as a web-based IUCr service called *checkCIF/PLATON*, checks the completeness, quality, and consistency of crystal structure data submitted in CIF format. The validation report generates a list of ALERTS indicating issues that need correction, checking, or comment. This has significantly reduced obvious errors in published structures, such as incorrect space groups. The paper highlights the importance of structure validation, especially for confirming the outcome of synthetic chemical work, and addresses the challenges posed by the increasing number of small-molecule structures and the lack of experienced crystallographers. It also discusses the current limitations of the validation process, such as the need for reflection data in some cases, and future improvements, including the integration of new validation tests and the handling of large or low-resolution protein structures. The paper concludes by emphasizing the role of structure validation in setting quality standards and saving time for both investigators and referees.