Mixed Reactions Over ChatGPT Use in Secondhand Trading
Secondhand Platforms: "Posts Violating Operational Policy Will Be Removed"
As it has become trendy to create images mimicking the styles of famous animations such as 'Studio Ghibli' using ChatGPT, a secondhand trading platform has started to see commercial posts offering to convert images for a fee. When some raised concerns that such actions might involve copyright infringement, the secondhand trading platform quickly moved to impose restrictions.
On the 8th, the secondhand trading platform Bungaejangter announced through a notice that "Since the standards for copyright and ownership of AI-generated images are not yet clear, trading such products may lead to disputes and legal issues," and added, "We are restricting transactions of products based on images generated by AI."
As it has become popular to create images imitating the styles of famous animations such as 'Studio Ghibli' using ChatGPT, a used goods trading platform has even started to see commercial posts offering to convert images for a fee. Bungaejangter
Bungaejangter issued this notice after posts appeared offering paid services to convert photos into so-called Ghibli-style images using ChatGPT. Similar posts also appeared on another secondhand trading platform, Danggeun Market. Danggeun Market also announced that photos processed upon request using generative AI cannot be traded, citing that such products do not fit the nature of their secondhand trading service. Danggeun Market stated, "Paid transactions of such products are prohibited because buyers may receive results different from their expectations, leading to disputes," and added, "If related posts are registered or reports are received, service usage may be restricted."
After OpenAI introduced the new image generation model 'ChatGPT-4o,' the style of Japanese animation studio 'Studio Ghibli,' known for works like 'Princess Mononoke' and 'Spirited Away,' gained popularity. Due to the explosive increase in demand for image generation, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman even remarked that "GPUs are melting down."
Most of the sales posts using generative AI on secondhand trading platforms mentioned that if you provide a photo, ChatGPT will transform it into a Ghibli style. The price range was set between 500 and 3,000 won per piece. Danggeun Market
Most of the generative AI-based sales posts on secondhand trading platforms offered to convert photos into Ghibli style using ChatGPT. The price range was generally between 500 and 3,000 KRW per image. Sellers consistently posted messages such as "Send me your photo, and I'll make it in Ghibli style," and "Send your wedding couple photo, and I'll convert it to Ghibli style."
Industry Divided Over Copyright Infringement Controversy
Aside from secondhand trading platforms restricting image transactions using generative AI, various reactions have emerged online regarding this money-making method. Some argue, "It is not a problem since it has not yet been definitively ruled as copyright infringement," while others respond, "Using a creative style for commercial purposes is problematic." Opinions within the industry are also divided on copyright infringement. There are concerns that using the styles of renowned studios or comics without OpenAI publicly disclosing whether it has copyright agreements with studios like Ghibli could lead to copyright infringement. On the other hand, some believe it is still difficult to definitively state that copyright infringement has occurred.
Meanwhile, Studio Ghibli has not yet issued an official stance regarding copyright infringement related to ChatGPT. OpenAI, which operates ChatGPT, recently revealed that over 100 million users have generated more than 700 million images amid the trend of converting images into Ghibli style. The number of domestic users in South Korea also surpassed 5 million last month. Concerns about privacy violations have grown as users input their photos into AI. The Personal Information Protection Commission explained that unless related complaints are filed, it should be assumed that privacy protection policies are being observed.
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