OpenAI’s Studio Ghibli image generator sparks controversy with offensive historical recreations

OpenAI‘s latest image generator has sparked a controversial trend of creating offensive historical recreations, raising questions about responsible AI use and content moderation. The technology, integrated into GPT-4o, initially gained popularity when users discovered they could replicate Studio Ghibli‘s distinctive animation style, but has since evolved into more questionable territory with millions viewing potentially insensitive historical recreations.

Why this matters: The viral spread of AI-generated images depicting sensitive historical moments like 9/11 and the JFK assassination highlights the growing tension between creative freedom and ethical boundaries in generative AI technologies.

• These controversial images have garnered millions of views on social media platforms, indicating widespread public interest despite their potentially offensive nature.
• The trend represents a familiar pattern in AI development where creative tools quickly find unexpected and sometimes problematic applications beyond their intended use.

The big picture: OpenAI’s image generator initially captured attention for its ability to recreate Studio Ghibli’s animation style, but users quickly expanded its application to depict controversial historical moments.

• Social media users have created images showing George W. Bush learning about the 9/11 attacks, the JFK assassination, and AI-generated mugshots of notorious criminals like Ted Kaczynski.
• The technology allows premium users paying at least $20 monthly to transform uploaded images using both GPT-4o and Sora, ChatGPT’s text-to-video AI model.

What they’re saying: OpenAI has defended the creative freedom of its image generation tools while acknowledging the need for responsible use guidelines.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed excitement about the technology, stating: “I remember seeing some of the first images come out of this model and having a hard time [believing] they were really made by AI.”
• An OpenAI spokesperson told NBC News their goal was to “give users as much creative freedom as possible” while noting they “continue to prevent generations in the style of individual living artists.”
• Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli’s co-founder, previously expressed strong opposition to AI-generated animation, describing it as “utterly disgusting” during a 2016 meeting.

What’s next: The trajectory of this AI image trend remains uncertain as users continue exploring its capabilities and boundaries.

• Some users have already created images featuring Donald Trump, including recreations of his fist-raising moment after surviving an assassination attempt.
• Sam Altman has embraced the trend by changing his X profile picture to a Studio Ghibli-style image, potentially normalizing this application of the technology.