The launch of the newest image creator on OpenAI’s ChatGPT has sparked an internet surge of memes using visuals styled after Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation house known for classics such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke.”
The rapid spread of these images led to concerns about copyright issues, particularly after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman updated his profile picture on X to align with this aesthetic. This quickly sparked debates over potential infringements involving the ChatGPT creator, who is already dealing with legal actions for using content without authorization.
Following its launch on Wednesday, content featuring AI-created visuals showing Studio Ghibli-style renditions of Elon Musk alongside President Donald Trump, scenes from “The Lord of the Rings,” and a depiction of the September 11 attacks has spread rapidly across various online channels.
Initially planned to be offered at no cost through the platform, Altman mentioned that the overwhelming popularity of the new generator caught them off guard. As a result, access to this tool will continue to be restricted to paying customers for the time being.
Previously, generating images using ChatGPT was feasible, yet the newest iteration leverages GPT-40, the firm’s most advanced model. This enables complex outcomes from highly concise prompts, something not achievable previously.
Following the spread of a viral trend, a video from 2016 resurfaced showing Studio Ghibli’s renowned director Hayao Miyazaki reacting strongly during an AI presentation conducted by his employees.
“I have absolutely no desire to include this technology in my work whatsoever. It deeply offends me; it feels like an affront to existence itself,” stated the English subtitles of his comments in the clip.
Artist and illustrator Jayd “Chira” Ait-Kaci noted on Bluesky that this tendency is particularly harmful and malevolent due to Miyazaki’s strong criticism of technology.
Ait-Kaci added, ‘It’s always rooted in disdain for artists, each and every time.’
OpenAI is dealing with numerous lawsuits related to alleged copyright violations, which include significant cases such as one brought forth by The New York Times along with additional suits filed by artists, musicians, and publishers.
Meanwhile, the firm is actively advocating for the White House and Congress to include the utilization of copyrighted material by artificial intelligence businesses as part of the fair use doctrine.
Fair use provisions already accommodate search engines and instances involving satire and memes on the internet, permitting businesses to utilize copyrighted content without obtaining authorization.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is nearing the completion of a $40 billion funding round, which will reportedly be led by Japan’s SoftBank Group. This valuation would make it the largest fundraising round in history for a startup company.
OpenAI estimates that its yearly income might surpass $12.7 billion in 2025, an increase from the anticipated $3.7 billion for this year.