Studio Ghibli, Square Enix demand OpenAI stop training Sora 2 on their content

A group representing Japanese animation companies — notably, the widely beloved Studio Ghibli — has demanded OpenAI stop using their art to train Sora 2, its AI video tool.

The trade group called the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) released a statement this week, stating that it had submitted a request to OpenAI at the behest of its member companies.

Wrote CODA:

"CODA has confirmed that a large portion of content produced by Sora 2 closely resembles Japanese content or images. CODA has determined that this is the result of using Japanese content as machine learning data. In cases, as with Sora 2, where specific copyrighted works are reproduced or similarly generated as outputs, CODA considers that the act of replication during the machine learning process may constitute copyright infringement.

Furthermore, according to media reports, it has been stated that Sora 2 responds through an opt-out system based on requests from copyright holders. However, under Japan’s copyright system, prior permission is generally required for the use of copyrighted works, and there is no system allowing one to avoid liability for infringement through subsequent objections."

CODA requested that OpenAI stop using the art of Japanese animation companies without permission and that the company "responds sincerely to claims and inquiries from CODA member companies regarding copyright infringement."

CODA represents Studio Ghibli, video game publisher Square Enix (maker of Final Fantasy), and many other publishers. No company has had a more checkered history with OpenAI than Studio Ghibli, however.

A viral trend in March had folks creating Ghibli-style images and videos via ChatGPT and Sora. That proved to be widely controversial, considering that beloved Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki is vehemently opposed to AI.

"Whoever creates this stuff has no idea what pain is whatsoever," he said in a 2016 documentary. "I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff, you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself."

That didn't stop OpenAI from fully embracing the trend, however. Now, months later, it appears the fight continues.