Following the introduction of OpenAI’s image-generation capability in ChatGPT, the internet witnessed a surge in AI-created artworks mimicking the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli films. 🎨 Despite anticipation for a response from Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary animator behind Studio Ghibli, he has yet to comment. Meanwhile, the Studio Ghibli fan subreddit has taken a firm stance, reinforcing its prohibition against AI-generated art. “We don’t allow AI art. We haven’t allowed it basically since it became a thing,” stated a moderator, highlighting the community’s dedication to preserving the integrity of original artwork.
This controversy touches on broader concerns within the creative industry, where generative AI models are trained using copyrighted materials without explicit consent from the original artists. Legal battles, such as those initiated by The New York Times against OpenAI, underscore the growing tension between technological innovation and copyright protection. 🛡️
Hayao Miyazaki’s previous criticisms of AI-generated art have resurfaced, with fans sharing his 2016 remarks: “I am utterly disgusted.” These sentiments reflect a deep-seated resistance to AI’s encroachment on human creativity, especially within communities that cherish the painstaking craftsmanship of animation.
Despite the backlash, OpenAI reports overwhelming engagement with its new feature, with over 130 million users generating more than 700 million images. Brad Lightcap of OpenAI remarked, “The range of visual creativity has been extremely inspiring,” signaling the feature’s popularity amidst ongoing debates. 🌐