ChatGPT’s viral Studio Ghibli-style images highlight AI copyright concerns
Soror Shaiza | Mar 30, 2025, 14:03 IST
( Image credit : AP )
A new image generator tool in ChatGPT allows users to transform photos and memes into a distinctive Studio Ghibli animation style, sparking both excitement and ethical concerns. The tool's ability to replicate the style of Hayao Miyazaki's creations has raised questions about copyright infringement, as it remains unclear whether OpenAI has licensed Ghibli’s work for AI training. Critics, including artists and legal experts, argue that the use of such a well-known style without consent may harm artists’ livelihoods and violate intellectual property rights. The controversy has intensified with the recent involvement of the White House, which posted a Ghibli-style image generated by the tool.
AI's Ghibli Style Trend
The new image generator tool in ChatGPT has become a viral sensation, allowing users to turn personal photos or popular internet memes into stunning Ghibli-style illustrations. Many fans of Studio Ghibli, including those who admire Hayao Miyazaki’s work, were thrilled by the tool’s ability to emulate the whimsical animation style of the Japanese studio. One user, Janu Lingeswaran, transformed a picture of his pet cat into a Ghibli-style image, which he considered a delightful result.
Ethical and Legal Concerns
The rapid rise in popularity of these AI-generated images has raised concerns about the ethical implications of AI tools being trained on copyrighted works. Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki has previously expressed his disapproval of AI technology in animation, particularly its potential to undermine the craft of human artists. Legal experts are questioning whether OpenAI’s tool has the necessary licenses to replicate Ghibli’s unique style and whether such actions could infringe on the studio’s intellectual property rights.
OpenAI's Response and Limitations
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has defended the tool by clarifying that it does not permit the creation of images in the specific style of living artists. However, the company does allow the generation of images in broader "studio styles," which could include Ghibli’s recognizable aesthetic. The company has emphasized that it is taking a conservative approach in mimicking individual artist styles and assures that users are encouraged to create original fan art rather than direct copies.
Backlash and Reactions
Critics, including artists like Karla Ortiz, have voiced strong opposition to AI image generators. Ortiz, who is suing AI companies for similar copyright violations, criticized OpenAI for exploiting the Ghibli brand to market its products without compensating artists or seeking permission. The controversy escalated when the White House joined the trend, posting a Ghibli-style image created using the tool. The move sparked outrage among critics who felt that the White House was contributing to the further devaluation of original artistic work.
The new image generator tool in ChatGPT has become a viral sensation, allowing users to turn personal photos or popular internet memes into stunning Ghibli-style illustrations. Many fans of Studio Ghibli, including those who admire Hayao Miyazaki’s work, were thrilled by the tool’s ability to emulate the whimsical animation style of the Japanese studio. One user, Janu Lingeswaran, transformed a picture of his pet cat into a Ghibli-style image, which he considered a delightful result.
Ethical and Legal Concerns
The rapid rise in popularity of these AI-generated images has raised concerns about the ethical implications of AI tools being trained on copyrighted works. Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki has previously expressed his disapproval of AI technology in animation, particularly its potential to undermine the craft of human artists. Legal experts are questioning whether OpenAI’s tool has the necessary licenses to replicate Ghibli’s unique style and whether such actions could infringe on the studio’s intellectual property rights.
OpenAI's Response and Limitations
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has defended the tool by clarifying that it does not permit the creation of images in the specific style of living artists. However, the company does allow the generation of images in broader "studio styles," which could include Ghibli’s recognizable aesthetic. The company has emphasized that it is taking a conservative approach in mimicking individual artist styles and assures that users are encouraged to create original fan art rather than direct copies.
Backlash and Reactions
Critics, including artists like Karla Ortiz, have voiced strong opposition to AI image generators. Ortiz, who is suing AI companies for similar copyright violations, criticized OpenAI for exploiting the Ghibli brand to market its products without compensating artists or seeking permission. The controversy escalated when the White House joined the trend, posting a Ghibli-style image created using the tool. The move sparked outrage among critics who felt that the White House was contributing to the further devaluation of original artistic work.