OpenAI's latest image generator, part of GPT-4o, has sparked a viral trend where users are transforming images into the beloved style of Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation studio. Following this, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman humorously responded on X, sharing his own Ghibli-style image, saying he was bombarded with messages about the phenomenon.

While the playful trend has gained significant attention, it also highlights ongoing concerns about AI and copyright. Studio Ghibli's co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, previously voiced strong opposition to AI-generated animation, calling it an "insult to life itself." Moreover, a lawsuit filed by media companies against OpenAI over AI's use of copyrighted content continues to unfold. Despite these debates, OpenAI maintains its stance, arguing its use of publicly available data aligns with fair use and fosters innovation.

The rapid popularity of these AI-generated artworks raises questions about the intersection of creativity, technology, and copyright.