AI Anime Flood: Investigation Uncovers 90,000 Images in Infringement Scandal

The Nikkei study uncovers an alarming spike in AI-generated anime flooding the internet. There are around 90,000 photos on generative AI image sharing networks. Approximately 2,500 photos are comparable to the original artwork, raising worries about copyright infringement.

Credit: NIKKEI ASIA

The rapid advancement of generative AI technology has allowed for the creation of text, images, video, and music, but its illegal usage is damaging Japan's anime sector, a crucial generator of soft power.

Generative AI image sharing websites have become hotspots for the publication of mashed-up images created by users from all corners of the globe. These platforms allow anyone to generate and post images according to their preferences. Shockingly, a search across multiple sites for the names of the main characters from 13 globally popular anime titles yielded a staggering 90,000 images.

Working with experts, Nikkei discovered that over 2,500 of these photos were strikingly similar to the original artwork. This revelation raises major worries about copyright infringement and its implications for the anime business, which is highly reliant on intellectual property protection.

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• Nikkei investigation reveals the alarming rise of AI-generated anime flooding the internet.

• Over 90,000 images found on generative AI image sharing websites.

• Approximately 2,500 images bear similarities to original artwork, raising concerns of copyright infringement.

Source: NIKKEI ASIA