OpenAI's New ChatGPT Image Generator Can Pump Out Ghibli-Style Images, But Is It Breaking Copyright Rules?

OpenAI's latest AI image-generation tool, 4o, has sparked controversy by creating images in the style of Studio Ghibli. While many are fascinated that they could finally create their own Ghibli image, some are concerned about copyright policies.

Users who upgraded to the paid version of ChatGPT with 4o were able to generate Ghibli-inspired images, while those using the free version, powered by DALL-E 3, were denied similar requests due to content policy restrictions.

Discrepancy Between Free and Paid ChatGPT Versions

OpenAI’s New ChatGPT Image Generator Can Pump Out Ghibli-Style Images

When tech reporters tested the different versions, the results were strikingly inconsistent. Pranav Dixit of Business Insider used the paid ChatGPT version and successfully generated Ghibli-style images that depicted scenes reminiscent of the famed Japanese animation house.

Meanwhile, using the free ChatGPT service powered by DALL-E 3, requests for similar images were blocked, with the system citing copyright protection.

According to OpenAI's system card, released alongside 4o, the company prevents the generation of images "in the style of individual living artists."

Since Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is still alive, this would imply that creating images in his artistic style should be prohibited. However, OpenAI spokespersons have claimed that "broader studio styles" may still be permitted under their content policies.

The 84-year-old animator is not in favor of using the technology in animation.

Conflicting Policies Leave Users Confused

The Associated Press reports that the conflicting responses between 4o and DALL-E 3 highlight a lack of consistency in OpenAI's copyright enforcement. While the free version refuses requests citing copyright concerns, the upgraded 4o tool appears to bypass these restrictions, generating Ghibli-inspired images without hesitation.

This inconsistency has left users wondering if OpenAI has adjusted its stance on copyright or struck a content deal with Studio Ghibli. However, OpenAI has not yet clarified whether this is a deliberate policy change or a system oversight.

Why OpenAI's ChatGPT Image Generator is Still an Impressive Tool

The introduction of 4o comes with notable improvements, offering more powerful and nuanced image-generation capabilities compared to DALL-E 3. The tool's ability to generate high-quality, stylistically accurate images is likely to attract more users to the paid version of ChatGPT, potentially driving a new wave of subscriptions.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding copyright policies, 4o's impressive capabilities have made it an attractive option for users seeking more advanced AI image generation.

Lack of Transparency from OpenAI and Studio Ghibli

Neither OpenAI nor Studio Ghibli has responded to requests for clarification on this matter. While OpenAI's policy on protecting living artists remains in place, the current situation suggests that there may be gray areas in how these policies are applied, particularly when it comes to broader studio styles.