ChatGPT’s new feature, which generates images in the style of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio, has become so popular that OpenAI, the parent company, had to impose temporary restrictions on its use.
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OpenAI’s new image generation tool, released this week, allows users to transform popular Internet memes or personal photos into the style of Studio Ghibli. As a result, ChatGPT’s parent company, OpenAI, had to implement temporary restrictions on the number of generated images.
OpenAI’s statement on X by CEO Sam Altman noted that they are experiencing high demand for the tool, resulting in heavy usage of their GPUs. Altman expressed concern that the servers are melting due to the increased load but stated that the limitations will hopefully be temporary.
The popularity of the new feature raises questions about how AI tools train on copyrighted works, including the designs of Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki.
Taking a ‘conservative approach’
In a technical paper released by OpenAI on Tuesday, the company stated that they are taking a “conservative approach” in mimicking the aesthetics of individual artists. The company has implemented a refusal mechanism triggered when a user attempts to generate an image in the style of a living artist.
However, OpenAI added that broader studio styles are permitted, allowing users to create and share original fan creations. OpenAI is already facing copyright battles from some American newspapers for using their content to train ChatGPT.
Josh Weigensberg, a partner at the law firm Pryor Cashman, raised concerns about whether the AI model was trained on Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli’s work. He questioned whether OpenAI has a license or permission to train their AI using these works, suggesting that without consent and compensation, it could be problematic.
OpenAI was contacted by Euronews Next to see whether they have a license or permission to use Studio Ghibli’s work to train their AI but did not respond immediately.
Artist Karla Ortiz, who is suing other AI image generators for copyright infringement, criticized OpenAI for not caring about the work of artists and their livelihoods. She argued that using Ghibli’s branding to promote OpenAI’s products is both an insult and exploitation.
‘This is an insult to life itself’
Both Altman and the White House have utilized the Ghibli-style feature by posting related content on their social media accounts. Users have also created Ghibli-style versions of iconic images, such as a viral photo of Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec.
Studio Ghibli itself has not commented on the new ChatGPT tool, but Miyazaki has previously expressed his strong opposition to AI animation. In 2016, he described an AI demo as “utterly disgusted” and stated that he would never incorporate such technology into his work. Miyazaki added that AI animation is an insult to life itself.
