Ghibli Studio Issues False Warning Regarding AI Applications
Reports indicate that an AI application generating Ghibli-style illustrations has issued a warning to cease publication. However, this “false warning” has spread widely on X (formerly Twitter), sparking heated discussions. The Ghibli team has clearly stated, “We have never issued such a warning.” The individual responsible for the false announcement seems to be related to Solana.
Fake Announcement Claims AI Infringement from Solana Community
The fake warning circulating on X claims to have been sent by a legal representative of Ghibli, stating that a notification has been issued to an overseas AI application named “Gib,” accusing it of generating Ghibli-style images. The document features an illustration resembling Totoro and the “STUDIO GHIBLI, INC.” logo, appearing identical to authentic documents at first glance.
The post was published on March 28 by a user from overseas, claiming: “I received a cease and desist from Ghibli” and “AI creators should not be punished; they should be protected.”
However, the email address listed in the warning is, in fact, invalid, resulting in error messages when attempts to send emails are made. In response, X’s “Community Notes” issued a reminder questioning the authenticity of the document.
Suspected Former Solana Employee Behind the Hoax
The account that issued the false announcement, @tj_littlejohn, is also the one promoting the “Gib” application. His profile states that he previously worked at Solana Labs.
This incident suggests that he may be attempting to generate publicity for his application.
Fake Warning Demands Cessation of Distribution
According to the contents of the fake warning, Gib is accused of unauthorized use of Ghibli’s works and brand name, demanding an end to the application’s distribution, cessation of related content promotion, and a written agreement within “7 days, or legal action will be taken.”
Following the leak of the document, it sparked significant discussion on X, with some users believing it to be a genuine warning, asserting that “Ghibli has finally taken action against AI applications,” while others pointed out that it could be a prank or fake news.
Ghibli Clearly Denies: “We Have Never Issued Such a Warning”
According to J-CAST, a relevant person from Ghibli stated on March 28: “We have never issued such a warning.” This further clarifies the falsehood of the warning.
This incident of the fake warning reflects the ongoing escalation of copyright disputes brought about by generative AI technology. Recently, many users have utilized the new features of the conversational generative AI “ChatGPT” to create Ghibli-style illustrations and share them online, prompting discussions on potential copyright infringement.
Surge in AI Generated “Ghibli Style” Illustrations Attracts Attention
Recently, the trend of creating and sharing Ghibli-style illustrations through generative AI applications on social media has been increasing. Particularly, the number of submissions from users utilizing ChatGPT’s new features and image-generating AI has surged, igniting fervent discussions among fans.
However, these unauthorized Ghibli-style illustrations may potentially infringe copyright, and the boundaries between AI art and copyright are expected to become a more heated topic of discussion in the future.
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