The Virality of OpenAI’s Studio Ghibli Moment Underscores Growing AI Copyright Concerns

Published: 27 Mar 2025
OpenAI's homage to Studio Ghibli gone viral underscores the escalating unease surrounding AI and copyright law.

Simply put, artificial intelligence is a disruptor, and its influence spans across various sectors. Not only is AI changing the dynamics of traditional industries, but it is also turning the tables in legal circles, particularly relating to copyright law. The latest incident to magnify this conflict? OpenAI’s Studio Ghibli-inspired animation which has achieved viral sensation status in the online world.

Studio Ghibli’s classics and its aesthetic inspirations have often been fodder for digital recreations, but none has garnered the attention - or stirred up the controversy - that OpenAI’s tribute has. Thanks to the power of AI, OpenAI’s animation not only nailed the iconic Ghibli-esque style but also showcased an exceptional example of AI’s creative capabilities. But this moment’s virality ignited a heated discussion around copyright infringement and AI.

The OpenAI Ghibli spectacle puts a spotlight on the need for clearer regulations in this evolving landscape. As game-changing as AI is, it’s clear that it cannot just be about the technology alone, but it also has to consider the ethical and legal dimensions. This case emphasizes the requirement for a pragmatic approach to AI’s copyright infringement that preserves creativity, respects intellectual property, and ensures the progressive development of AI.