As the war over artificial intelligence and its use in entertainment continues to rage, several animation studios, including Studio Ghibli and Aniplex, have joined forces to fight against AI, specifically OpenAI and the Sora 2 creation suite.
As reported by Automaton Media, just a few days ago, the Japanese Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), an organization comprised of animation, manga, and game publishers in the region, announced that it had submitted a request to OpenAI for its AI-based viral video creation model, Sora 2, to stop using member-owned content to train the model.
The request comes after several viral videos featuring the company's characters from games like Dragon Ball and Demon Slayer have spread across the internet. More specifically, as GameSpot points out, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on his blog that he was “impressed” by how “deep” the connection between AI users and Japanese content was.
In its announcement, CODA asked OpenAI to take two actions:
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First: “In the operation of Sora 2, CODA requests that members’ content not be used for machine learning without permission.”
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Second: “OpenAI responds faithfully to claims and inquiries from CODA members regarding copyright infringement related to Sora 2 output.”
According to Japanese copyright law, 'prior permission' is required to use copyrighted works. In other words, ‘there is no system to avoid liability for infringement even if an objection is raised later.’
Japan has already requested cooperation from OpenAI.
This is Japan's second request since early October when Minister of IP and AI Strategy Minoru Kiuchi formally asked OpenAI to respect the copyright of what he called an “irreplaceable treasure” that represents Japan's pride.
At this time, it is unclear what the next steps will be if OpenAI rejects Japan's polite request. A lawsuit seems most likely, but for now it's in OpenAI's court to respond and follow its stated guidelines.
