ChatGPT's Studio Ghibli-style AI image craze debate

(CLO) On March 25, OpenAI launched GPT-4o, an AI model capable of generating accurate, realistic images with a distinctive artistic style.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, attracted attention when he posted a photo created by GPT-4o, simulating the animation style of Studio Ghibli. Immediately, the online community exploded with a trend of turning personal photos into Ghibli paintings using AI.

However, this ability of ChatGPT raises controversy over creative copyright. According to the January 2025 report of the US Copyright Office, works created entirely by AI are not protected by copyright. Only works with human intervention are eligible. In this case, if a user just uploads a photo and asks AI to transform it in the Ghibli style, the result may be considered a pure AI product and not protected.

Sam Altman's Studio Ghibli-style profile picture on X social network. Screenshot.

Netizens were quick to recall a 2016 statement by Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli. When shown a video created by AI, he bluntly declared: "I feel disgusted. I will never use this technology. I believe it is an insult to life itself."

Studio Ghibli is famous for works like Spirited Away (2001), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989). Their animation process is extremely meticulous - a 4-second shot in The Wind Rises (2013) took 1 year and 3 months to complete. Meanwhile, ChatGPT-4o can mimic this style in just a few dozen seconds.

Studio Ghibli-style AI imagery

Artists and loyal Ghibli fans have expressed concerns about AI stealing styles without respecting the true artistic process.

OpenAI has been sued for its AI copying artists' styles. Some studios, like Disney, are considering new laws to protect copyrights for cinematic styles. Studio Ghibli has not yet commented, but is likely to strongly object.

Cao Phong (according to Designboom, TechCrunch)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tranh-cai-ve-con-sot-hinh-anh-ai-theo-phong-cach-studio-ghibli-cua-chatgpt-post340604.html