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OpenAI recently made the decision to remove its updated image generation feature, which utilized the advanced GPT-4o reasoning model, from the free tier of ChatGPT. This move came swiftly after the update’s launch, as an unexpected surge in users began creating images in the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli, the well-known Japanese animation studio.

The purpose of the update was to demonstrate the enhanced realism in both AI-generated images and text, showcasing the abilities of the GPT-4o model. This new model adopts an “autoregressive approach” to image creation, constructing visuals from left to right and top to bottom. This method differs from older models that use simultaneous generation. The aim is to enhance the accuracy and lifelike quality of the generated imagery.

One significant improvement of the new model is the generation of sharper and more coherent text within images. This addresses a common issue in previous AI models, which often produced blurry or nonsensical text. Additionally, OpenAI conducted post-launch training based on human feedback to identify and correct common errors in both text and image outputs.

Despite the intended purpose of the image generation upgrade, the response from the public took a surprising turn following its release on ChatGPT. Users quickly embraced the capability to create images in the iconic style of Studio Ghibli, sharing their imaginative creations on various social media platforms. These ranged from reimagined scenes from classic films like “The Godfather” and “Star Wars” to popular internet memes such as “distracted boyfriend” and “disaster girl,” all rendered with the beloved animation studio’s aesthetic.

Even CEO Sam Altman joined in on the excitement by changing his profile picture to a Studio Ghibli-inspired version of himself. However, later the same day, Altman announced a temporary delay in the rollout of the image generator update for free ChatGPT users. Although subscribers to paid tiers like ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team retained access to the feature, Altman did not specify when it would return to the free tier.

The unexpected popularity of the Studio Ghibli-style images led OpenAI to reconsider its rollout strategy. Despite prior attempts to address ethical and legal concerns regarding AI image generation, the sheer volume and nature of the user-generated content caught the company off-guard.

The intersection of AI-generated art and intellectual property rights poses a complex and debated issue. While style historically receives less protection under copyright law compared to specific works, OpenAI’s swift decision to pull the GPT-4o image generation feature from the free tier reflects a cautious approach. The company seems to be reevaluating the situation to determine its next steps in light of the unanticipated popularity of Ghibli-inspired AI art.

This rollback in the deployment of the latest image generation feature highlights the ongoing uncertainties surrounding not only copyright law but also the ethical implications of using AI to mimic human creativity.

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