Ghibli AI Generator Faces Backlash Over Privacy—Are Your Photos Safe?

OpenAI’s recent launch of its Ghibli-style AI image generator has taken social media by storm. Over the past week, users—from politicians and celebrities to everyday people—have been sharing their AI-crafted portraits in the signature style of Ghibli legend Hayao Miyazaki. The latest update allows individuals to transform their own photos or even viral memes into enchanting Ghibli-inspired artwork.

🚨 Most people haven't realized that the Ghibli Effect is not only an AI copyright controversy but also OpenAI's PR trick to get access to thousands of new personal images; here's how:

To get their own Ghibli (or Sesame Street) version, thousands of people are now voluntarily… pic.twitter.com/zBktscNOSh

— Luiza Jarovsky (@LuizaJarovsky) March 29, 2025

However, the trend has also sparked controversy. Privacy advocates on X are raising red flags, warning that OpenAI could be using this viral craze to amass a massive collection of personal images for AI training. While users enjoy experimenting with the feature, critics argue they may be unknowingly handing over fresh facial data, fueling privacy concerns.

Beyond privacy issues, the trend has also revived ethical debates about AI-generated content. Many point out that these tools are trained on copyrighted creative works, raising concerns about the impact on human artists. Miyazaki, 84, renowned for his hand-drawn animation and imaginative storytelling, has been openly critical of AI’s place in animation, expressing doubts about its creative value.

The activists argue that OpenAI’s data collection strategy goes beyond just copyright issues. They believe that OpenAI is taking advantage of the popularity of the Ghibli AI generator to acquire a vast amount of voluntarily submitted images, effectively bypassing legal restrictions that would normally apply to data scraped from the internet.

Under the GDPR, OpenAI must justify its practice of scraping images from the internet by claiming it falls under “legitimate interest.” To comply, the company is required to implement safeguards that protect user privacy. This includes proving that the data collection is necessary, does not infringe on individuals’ rights, and follows strict transparency and accountability standards.

However, in a detailed X post, Luiza Jarovsky, co-founder of the AI, Tech & Privacy Academy, highlighted a key distinction. She explained that when users voluntarily upload their images, they are effectively giving OpenAI consent to process them under Article 6.1.a of the GDPR. This shifts the legal basis from “legitimate interest” to “consent,” giving OpenAI greater freedom to use the images without undergoing the same balancing test.

Jarovsky further noted that OpenAI’s privacy policy explicitly states the company collects personal data submitted by users to train its AI models—unless users specifically opt out.

Luiza Jarovsky also cautioned that OpenAI is gaining easy and unrestricted access to personal or private images, with only the company retaining the original versions. In contrast, social media platforms and other AI companies will only have access to the “Ghiblified” versions.

She further pointed out that the trend is influencing user behavior. “People are realizing that they can simply upload their photos to ChatGPT to create fun avatars, bypassing third-party apps entirely,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Cyber Warriors, a group identifying as cybersecurity experts, issued a warning about the potential risks. “Think before you #Ghibli. That adorable Ghibli-style selfie might come at a cost. Your photo could be misused or manipulated. AI may train on it without your consent. Data brokers could sell it for targeted ads. Stay cyber smart. Your privacy matters,” they advised.

What ChatGPT said?

OpenAI has not yet released an official statement addressing the safety of personal data for users creating Ghibli-style AI images. When asked ChatGPT whether it was safe to upload personal photos to the Ghibli art generator, the AI responded with a cautionary message.

“No, it’s not safe to upload personal photos to any AI tool unless you’re certain about its privacy policies and data handling practices. OpenAI does not retain or use uploaded images beyond the immediate session, but it’s always best to avoid sharing sensitive or personal images with AI services. If privacy is a concern, consider using offline tools or apps specifically designed for secure image processing,” it advised.

It’s exciting to try out new AI tools, but it’s important to be careful with your personal information. Here are some tips to protect your privacy:

Think twice before sharing photos: Before uploading a photo to be turned into AI art, consider the risks. You might be giving away more than you realize.

Keep high-resolution photos private: Avoid posting high-quality photos on social media, as they can be easily used for AI training without your knowledge.

Use strong security: Instead of relying on facial recognition, use PINs or passwords to unlock your devices. This provides an extra layer of protection for your biometric data.

Control app permissions: Regularly check which apps have access to your camera. Limit access to only the apps you trust and need to use your camera.