Studio Ghibli and other Japanese publishers want OpenAI to stop training on their work

A group representing Japanese publishers, including the renowned Studio Ghibli, has recently reached out to OpenAI with a formal request to cease training its AI models on copyrighted content without obtaining the necessary permissions. Studio Ghibli, famous for iconic films such as "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro," has been significantly affected by OpenAI's generative AI tools. The launch of ChatGPT’s image generator in March sparked a wave of users creating versions of their selfies and pets in the unique style of Studio Ghibli films, even leading OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, to adopt a 'Ghiblified' profile picture on social media. As OpenAI's Sora app and video generator become more widely accessible, the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) of Japan has officially requested that OpenAI refrain from utilizing its members' copyrighted works for machine learning purposes without explicit consent. This appeal is rooted in OpenAI’s tendency to operate under a policy of seeking forgiveness rather than permission, a strategy that has facilitated the generation of images and videos featuring copyrighted characters and famous figures, raising concerns from various rights holders, including Nintendo and the estate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. OpenAI now faces a crucial decision regarding its compliance with these requests. Should the company choose not to cooperate, affected parties have the option to pursue legal action. However, the framework surrounding copyright law in the United States remains ambiguous, particularly concerning AI training practices. A notable case recently ruled by federal judge William Alsup determined that Anthropic did not breach copyright laws when training its AI on copyrighted literature, although it faced penalties for using pirated materials. CODA argues that in Japan, the replication of copyrighted works during the machine learning process could indeed constitute a violation of copyright law. They emphasized that in instances like Sora 2, where specific copyrighted outputs are generated, the absence of prior permission is a critical issue. "Under Japan’s copyright system, prior permission is generally required for the use of copyrighted works, and there is no system allowing one to avoid liability for infringement through subsequent objections," CODA noted. While Hayao Miyazaki, a pivotal figure at Studio Ghibli, has not publicly addressed the surge of AI-created renditions of his artistic work, his past comments reflect a deep dissatisfaction with AI-generated content. In 2016, after viewing AI-generated 3D animations, he expressed his distaste, stating, "I can’t watch this stuff and find it interesting. I feel strongly that this is an insult to life itself."