NEW YORK – The launch of the newest image creator from OpenAI’s ChatGPT has sparked an influx of internet memes showcasing artwork inspired by Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation house known for classics such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke.”
These images went viral quickly, leading even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to change his profile picture on X to mimic the design. This instantly sparked concerns over potential copyright issues for the ChatGPT creator, who is already dealing with legal actions due to using content without authorization.
Ever since their debut on Wednesday, pictures created by artificial intelligence showing Studio Ghibli-styled renditions of Elon Musk alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, scenes from “The Lord of the Rings,” and even a depiction of the September 11 attacks have spread rapidly across various online channels.
On Thursday, the White House joined in by sharing on X a Studio Ghibli-inspired picture depicting an allegedly guilty individual in tears as they were handcuffed by a U.S. immigration official prior to their deportation.
Initially planned to be accessible at no cost through the platform, Altman mentioned that the overwhelming popularity of the updated generator caught them off guard. As a result, they have decided to keep this tool restricted to those who subscribe for now.
It was previously feasible to create images using ChatGPT, however, the newest iteration leverages GPT-40, the firm’s top-tier model. This enables complex outcomes from exceedingly concise prompts, something not achievable earlier.
Following the viral craze, a 2016 clip emerged showing renowned Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki losing his temper during an artificial intelligence presentation conducted by employees.
“I would absolutely not want to include this technology in my work whatsoever. I firmly believe that this represents a grave disrespect to existence itself,” stated the English subtitles in the video.
“The trend is particularly pernicious and malevolent due to Miyazaki’s openly critical stance towards the technology,” noted artist and illustrator Jayd ‘Chira’ Ait-Kaci in an article for Bluesky.
Ait-Kaci added, ‘It’s always centered around disdain for artists, each time.’
OpenAI is confronting numerous legal actions for alleged copyright violations, which include significant cases like the lawsuit initiated by The New York Times as well as claims brought forth by various artists, musicians, and publishers.
When asked by AFP regarding the most recent viral trend and if it posed a threat to Studio Ghibli’s intellectual property, OpenAI stated that they are still refining their model.
“The aim is to provide users with maximum creative liberty,” said a representative of the firm to AFP.
“We keep preventing content created in the specific style of individual living artists, yet we allow more general studio styles. These styles have been utilized to produce and distribute numerous delightfully creative and inspiring original fan works,” she explained.
We continuously learn from practical application and user input, and we will keep enhancing our policies along the way.
The firm is strongly advocating at both the White House and Congress to incorporate the utilization of copyrighted material by artificial intelligence businesses into the category of fair use.
Allowances for fair use already cover search engines or instances involving satire and memes online, permitting businesses to utilize copyrighted content without seeking authorization.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is nearing the completion of a $40 billion fundraising initiative headed by Japan’s SoftBank Group. This investment would mark the largest funding round ever secured by a startup.
OpenAI forecasts that its yearly income might surpass $12.7 billion in 2025, an increase from the $3.7 billion earned in 2024.