Studio Ghibli and Other Japanese Publishers Urge OpenAI to Cease Training on Their Content

Japanese Publishers Demand OpenAI Halt Unauthorized Use of Copyrighted Content

The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), representing prominent publishers such as Studio Ghibli, has sent a letter to OpenAI, urging the tech giant to cease training its AI models on copyrighted materials without explicit consent.

Studio Ghibli’s Position in the AI Landscape

Studio Ghibli, renowned for classics like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro,” has faced significant repercussions from OpenAI’s AI capabilities. Following the launch of ChatGPT’s image generator in March, users began requesting AI re-creations of personal photos in the distinctive style of Ghibli films. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman even altered his profile picture on X to sport a “Ghiblified” version.

CODA’s Formal Request Amid Growing Concerns

As access to OpenAI’s Sora app expands, CODA has formally called on OpenAI to refrain from utilizing its members’ content for AI training without prior agreement.

OpenAI’s History of Handling Copyrighted Content

This request reflects ongoing frustration with OpenAI’s tendency to adopt a “forgive, don’t ask” approach when it comes to copyrighted material. This has led to widespread user-generated creations involving copyrighted characters and deceased celebrities. Institutions like Nintendo and the estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have raised concerns about this practice.

The Legal Landscape and Copyright Implications

Ultimately, it will be OpenAI’s decision to comply with these requests. If the company chooses not to, affected parties may resort to litigation. However, U.S. copyright law offers limited clarity regarding the use of copyrighted materials for AI training.

With few legal precedents, judges find themselves navigating uncharted waters regarding copyright interpretations, especially since the law has not been significantly updated since 1976. A recent case ruled by U.S. federal judge William Alsup found that Anthropic did not breach laws by training its AI on copyrighted texts, although it was penalized for using pirated copies.

In contrast, CODA asserts that such practices could qualify as copyright infringement under Japanese law.

Japanese Copyright Law and AI Training

CODA has expressed that for AI applications like Sora 2, the reproduction of specific copyrighted works may indeed constitute a copyright violation. According to Japan’s copyright system, prior permission is usually necessary for the use of copyrighted content, eliminating any opportunity to evade liability through subsequent objections.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Stance on AI Interpretations

Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has yet to publicly address the rise of AI-generated content inspired by his work. However, his previous response to seeing AI-generated 3D animation was one of profound disapproval; he stated in 2016 that he was “utterly disgusted,” emphasizing, “I can’t watch this stuff and find it interesting. I feel strongly that this is an insult to life itself.”

Here are five FAQs regarding the situation with Studio Ghibli and other Japanese publishers wanting OpenAI to stop training on their work:

FAQ 1: Why are Studio Ghibli and other Japanese publishers asking OpenAI to stop training on their works?

Answer: Studio Ghibli and other Japanese publishers are concerned about the use of their intellectual property in developing AI models. They want to protect their creative works from unauthorized use and ensure that their content is not exploited without proper consent or compensation.

FAQ 2: What specific works are these publishers concerned about?

Answer: The concerns revolve around a range of intellectual properties, including animated films, characters, and other creative works produced by these publishers. This encompasses both popular titles from Studio Ghibli and other regional media that embody unique storytelling and artistry.

FAQ 3: How might this request impact AI development?

Answer: If OpenAI were to comply with this request, it could limit the training data available for AI models, potentially reducing the models’ exposure to certain cultural nuances and storytelling techniques found in Japanese media. This could affect the richness and diversity of AI-generated content.

FAQ 4: Are there any legal implications for OpenAI regarding this request?

Answer: Yes, if these publishers choose to pursue legal action, there could be significant implications. Copyright laws protect their works, and unauthorized use in AI training could be deemed an infringement, which might lead to lawsuits or demands for licensing agreements.

FAQ 5: How can fans of Studio Ghibli and Japanese media respond to this situation?

Answer: Fans can support the creators by advocating for fair compensation and recognition of intellectual property rights. Engaging in discussions about copyright laws, attending events, and supporting official merchandise from these publishers can also help raise awareness of the importance of protecting creative works.

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Authors Urge Publishers to Restrict AI Usage

Authors Unite Against AI: A Call to Protect Literary Integrity

An open letter signed by prominent authors such as Lauren Groff, Lev Grossman, R.F. Kuang, Dennis Lehane, and Geoffrey Maguire urges book publishers to limit their reliance on AI technologies, including a commitment to exclusively hiring human audiobook narrators.

Concerns Over Copyright and Fair Compensation

The authors assert that their creative work is being “stolen” by AI companies. They state, “Instead of receiving a fair share of the profits from our work, the compensation flows to those profiting off technology built on our unpaid contributions.”

Calls for Publisher Accountability

Among several requests, the authors demand that publishers commit to “never release books generated by machines” and cautions against the replacement of their human workforce with AI tools or reducing staff roles to mere AI oversight.

A Growing Movement

Originally endorsed by a notable group of writers, NPR reports that within 24 hours of its release, an additional 1,100 signatures joined the cause, amplifying the urgency of their message.

Legal Actions Against Tech Companies

Authors are also pursuing legal action against tech companies for utilizing their works to train AI models. However, recent decisions by federal judges have dealt significant setbacks to these lawsuits, as reported by TechCrunch.

Sure! Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the call from authors to publishers to limit their use of AI:

FAQ 1: Why are authors concerned about the use of AI by publishers?

Answer: Authors are concerned that the use of AI in publishing could undermine their creative work, lead to job losses, and result in the production of formulaic content. Many fear that AI-generated content may dilute the uniqueness of literary expression and reduce the value placed on human creativity.

FAQ 2: What specific practices are authors asking publishers to limit?

Answer: Authors are calling for limits on practices such as using AI to generate manuscripts, manipulate reader data, or assist in decision-making processes around publishing without human oversight. They advocate for transparency and ethical guidelines regarding how AI is used in the publishing industry.

FAQ 3: How might AI impact the relationship between authors and publishers?

Answer: The integration of AI into publishing processes could create a disconnect between authors and publishers, as reliance on AI may prioritize data-driven decisions over artistic merit. This could lead to a perception that publishers value algorithmic success over genuine storytelling, impacting author-publisher collaborations.

FAQ 4: Are there alternatives to AI that publishers can use to support authors?

Answer: Yes, publishers can invest in human editors, foster collaborative writing communities, and utilize traditional market research methods to support authors. These approaches emphasize the importance of human insight and creativity, ensuring a more personalized and authentic publishing process.

FAQ 5: What is the broader impact of limiting AI usage in publishing?

Answer: Limiting AI usage could help preserve the value of human creativity and storytelling in literature. It may foster a more vibrant and diverse publishing landscape where unique voices thrive, ultimately benefiting authors, readers, and the literary community as a whole.

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Feeling the Urge to Invest in AI? That’s a Smart Move!

<div id="mvp-content-main">
    <h2>Unlocking the Power of Generative AI: Seize the Opportunity Now</h2>

    <p>AI has been on the horizon since the 1940s, thanks to pioneers like John McCarthy who unveiled its potential. Yet, the current buzz around AI feels unprecedented. Following the highly publicized launch of ChatGPT in 2022, new players such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/24/how-chinas-new-ai-model-deepseek-is-threatening-us-dominance.html">DeepSeek</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/alibaba-releases-ai-model-it-claims-surpasses-deepseek-v3-2025-01-29/">Qwen 2.5</a> have further fueled the excitement.</p>

    <h3>The Rapid Evolution of AI Technologies</h3>
    <p>The rationale behind the hype is clear: enhanced computational power, access to vast datasets, and advanced training algorithms are enabling AI and machine learning models to improve at an astonishing rate. Breakthroughs in reasoning and content creation are becoming part of our daily reality. We are in thrilling times!</p>

    <h3>Cautious Optimism: The Risk of Missing Out</h3>
    <p>However, excessive hype can create confusion, leading some leaders to perceive AI as an immature technology, unworthy of investment. They may hesitate to dive in, waiting for broader adoption. But delaying action means missing significant transformational opportunities.</p>

    <h3>Embrace Experimentation: The Path to Leadership</h3>
    <p>Engaging with generative AI—even if it risks failure—is far more beneficial than remaining inactive. True leadership lies in seizing chances for innovation. With AI evolving rapidly, inaction under the guise of caution results in missed potential.</p>

    <h3>Making Bold Moves: Generative AI as a Strategic Investment</h3>
    <p>Adopting generative AI is fundamentally about risk management—something every executive understands. Approach it like any new investment: seek methods to advance while managing your risk. Ensure you take action—success or failure will guide your next steps.</p>

    <h3>Avoiding Analysis Paralysis: Action Over Perfection</h3>
    <p>Don’t let indecision stall progress. As Voltaire wisely noted, don't let <em>perfect</em> become the enemy of <em>good</em>. Set achievable targets and commit to constant improvement. Waiting for ideal conditions only increases the cost of inaction.</p>

    <h3>Fostering a Culture of Learning</h3>
    <p>If your organization experiments with generative AI and fails, that's not the end. Such experiences foster valuable organizational learning. Growth comes from pushing boundaries and testing limits—this is how you'll uncover what's truly possible.</p>

    <h3>Identifying Key Areas for AI Implementation</h3>
    <p>Begin by pinpointing areas with significant operational challenges. Look for bottlenecks, errors, or overlooked opportunities—especially in workflows involving complex data analysis. These are prime candidates for AI experimentation.</p>

    <h3>Real-World Applications: AI in Supply Chain Management</h3>
    <p>In sectors like supply chain management, the prospects are vast. For instance, warehouse management—complex and time-sensitive—stands to benefit enormously from generative AI. An AI system can analyze reports and develop actionable strategies, drastically reducing the workload for managers.</p>

    <h3>Moving Forward: Just Get Started</h3>
    <p>Generative AI is not a passing trend; it's advancing rapidly, with new applications emerging daily. The rewards are clear: organizational transformation, improved efficiency, and accelerated decision-making.</p>

    <h3>The Call to Action: Don’t Wait Any Longer</h3>
    <p>Waiting for the “perfect” moment only sets you back. If you have a capable team and a sound strategy, now is the moment to act. What’s holding you back?</p>
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Here are five FAQs based on the theme "Feeling Pressure to Invest in AI? Good—You Should Be."

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