Ghibli Art Takes Over Social Media, Sparks AI Copyright Debate

Visakhapatnam: A new social media trend, called "Ghibli art," is sweeping across the internet, enabling users to turn their own photos into artwork that mimics the unique hand-drawn style of Studio Ghibli. This trend has not only gained immense popularity but has also sparked discussions surrounding AI-generated content and copyright issues.

In the last 24 hours, the term "Ghibli" has become a major topic on various social media platforms, with users eagerly sharing their AI-generated portraits. The artwork closely resembles the beloved animation aesthetics associated with Studio Ghibli, capturing the attention of many. Some users even claim that their transformed images appear more appealing than their original photos.

Influencers have jumped on this trend, sharing alternative suggestions for generating Ghibli-style images. Additionally, meme creators have begun to adopt this aesthetic, further popularizing the art style. Even celebrities, such as Kiara Advani, Sidharth Malhotra, Nani, and Keerthy Suresh, have contributed by posting movie posters designed in the Ghibli style.

Studio Ghibli, established in 1985 by industry legends Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is renowned globally for its detailed and masterful hand-drawn animation. However, the rise of AI-generated Ghibli portraits has raised some eyebrows. This is especially true after Hayao Miyazaki's earlier comments opposing AI-generated animation resurfaced. In the documentary series NHK Special: Hayao Miyazaki — The One Who Never Ends, he expressed his strong disapproval of artificial intelligence in animation, calling it "an insult to life itself."

Miyazaki's statements have reignited debates regarding AI and copyright since many online platforms that offer "Ghibli portrait" services allow users to recreate the studio's artistic style by simply uploading a photo. This raises questions about potential violations of intellectual property rights surrounding Ghibli's artwork.

Despite the controversies, reactions on social media have largely been positive. One user on X humorously remarked, "People prefer their Ghibli versions because they can’t stand their real faces." Another person mentioned, "I paid Rs 2000 for unlimited edits because OpenAI allows only three per day," illustrating the enthusiasm and willingness to engage with this trend.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the Ghibli art trend emphasizes the tension between technological advancements and traditional forms of artistry. It remains uncertain whether this trend will lead to more stringent copyright regulations or if it will simply be a passing internet fad.

Ghibli, AI, art