ChatGPT's Ghibli-Style Images Spark Debate Over AI and Copyright...Fans of Studio Ghibli experienced delight this week as ChatGPT introduced a feature enabling users to transform personal photos and famous memes into visuals reminiscent of the iconic animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki. According to a report by the AP, this playful experiment has ignited significant controversy, spotlighting ethical concerns around AI and copyright issues.Embracing the Ghibli AestheticJanu Lingeswaran, an entrepreneur based near Aachen, Germany, shared his joy after transforming a photo of his ragdoll cat, Mali, into a charming anime-like image evocative of Studio Ghibli classics such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Lingeswaran remarked, “I really fell in love with the result. We’re thinking of printing it out and hanging it on the wall.” Similarly, iconic images like Turkish Olympian Yusuf Dikec’s casual medal-winning pose and the viral “Disaster Girl” meme have received the Ghibli treatment and quickly spread across social media platforms.Ethical Concerns and Copyright IssuesDespite its viral popularity, the feature has raised serious ethical questions. OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, is currently facing multiple copyright lawsuits regarding its flagship chatbot. The company, however, has largely embraced the “Ghiblification” trend, even with CEO Sam Altman adopting a Ghibli-style portrait for his social media profile.Josh Weigensberg, partner at law firm Pryor Cashman, noted key concerns. He pointed out that the critical question is whether AI models are trained specifically on copyrighted materials from Studio Ghibli without proper licenses. “If this type of use is happening without consent and compensation, it could be problematic,” Weigensberg emphasized.Studio Ghibli has declined to comment officially on the matter. However, Miyazaki’s prior public skepticism toward AI has resurfaced amidst the debate. In a documented 2016 demonstration, Miyazaki described AI animation as “utterly disgusting,” firmly stating, “I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”Artist Karla Ortiz, who is currently engaged in a copyright infringement lawsuit against other AI tools, criticized OpenAI’s latest trend. Ortiz argues that the Ghibli-style images exploit Studio Ghibli’s reputation for corporate gain. “That’s using Ghibli’s branding, their name, their work, their reputation, to promote OpenAI products. It’s an insult. It’s exploitation,” she stated firmly.Broader ImplicationsAs this debate evolves, it raises broader questions about AI’s role in creative industries and the protection of artists’ rights in the digital age. ODSC gathers the attendees, presenters, and companies that are shaping the present and future of data science and AI. ODSC hosts one of the largest gatherings of professional data scientists with major conferences in USA, Europe, and Asia.View ODSC Privacy Policy