Last week, OpenAI's image-generation feature in ChatGPT sent social media into a frenzy, with users creating AI-generated images reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's beloved animated films. However, not everyone was thrilled with the development. Fans of the legendary animation studio have taken a strong stance against the AI-generated art, citing copyright concerns and a lack of consent from creators like Hayao Miyazaki.

The backlash is particularly noteworthy given Miyazaki's well-documented disdain for AI-generated artwork. In 2016, the 84-year-old animator expressed his disgust towards AI-generated 3D animation, stating that whoever creates such content "has no idea what pain is whatsoever." Fans have resurfaced these comments to discourage others from imitating his work, but the damage has already been done. The popularity of AI-generated Ghibli-style images has stretched OpenAI's capacity, with over 130 million users generating more than 700 million images using the new ChatGPT feature.

The issue at hand is not just about artistic style or homage; it's about copyright infringement. Generative AI models are trained on copyrighted images from artists like Miyazaki, who never gave OpenAI or its competitors permission to use their work. This has sparked a broader debate about the use of copyrighted materials in AI model training. The New York Times and other publishers have sued OpenAI, alleging that the company used their copyrighted materials without payment or consent. Similar complaints have been filed against Meta and Midjourney.

In the Ghibli fan subreddit, moderators have enforced a long-standing ban against AI art, citing the lack of consent from creators and the potential harm to the animation industry. "We don't allow AI art. We haven't allowed it basically since it became a thing," a moderator posted. This stance is not unique to Ghibli fans; many creators and writers are speaking out against the use of AI-generated content without proper permission or compensation.

The implications of this controversy extend beyond the world of animation. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the lines between creativity and copyright infringement are becoming increasingly blurred. The question of who owns the rights to AI-generated content – the creator, the AI model, or the company behind the model – remains unclear. As the use of AI-generated content continues to grow, it's essential that we address these concerns and establish clear guidelines for creators, companies, and users alike.

In the meantime, fans of Studio Ghibli will continue to push back against AI-generated art, citing the importance of respecting creators' rights and the value of human creativity. As one fan aptly put it, "AI-generated art is not an homage; it's a rip-off." The debate may be far from over, but one thing is clear: the future of creativity and copyright in the AI era is uncertain, and it's up to us to shape it.