The Opportunities and Risks of AI Technology Revealed by ChatGPT-4o’s Ghibli-Style Image Generation
The rapid advancement of AI technology has been drawing global attention. In particular, OpenAI’s image generation AI model, ChatGPT-4o, has gained explosive popularity among users, clearly demonstrating how deeply AI has become embedded in our daily lives.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on social media that "1 million new users joined within just one hour," emphasizing the incredible pace compared to the initial launch of ChatGPT, which took five days to reach the same milestone. He also commented that “GPUs are melting,” referring to the server overload caused by the sudden surge in users.
ChatGPT’s rapid growth has been driven by the release of various new AI models. In January this year, OpenAI introduced the compact o3 mini model capable of advanced reasoning. In February, it previewed the latest GPT-4.5 model for research purposes. In April, the newly released ChatGPT-4o came with image generation capabilities, as well as features like Deep Research, which can handle complex research tasks.
ChatGPT-4o has drawn explosive reactions by replicating popular animation styles such as Studio Ghibli—famous for works like Spirited Away—as well as Disney and The Simpsons.
However, alongside these technological advances, ethical, legal, and societal issues are also emerging.
Ghibli-Style Images and Copyright Issues
As AI-generated Ghibli-style images grow in popularity, debates about potential copyright infringement are intensifying. Concerns have been raised that OpenAI may have used Studio Ghibli’s works or artistic style without permission during the training of its models, prompting the need for legal review.
Copyright lawyers have pointed out, “Imitating a particular style is not necessarily copyright infringement, but if copyrighted content was used without authorization in the training data, legal issues may arise.”
Such cases illustrate how AI is not just a technological advancement, but also a force that can disrupt ethical norms and legal frameworks in society.
The Dark Side of AI – Privacy Leaks, Fraud, Identity Theft
While AI development is undoubtedly creating vast opportunities, it also brings significant risks that require our attention. Below are the major risks currently emerging alongside the progress of AI:
1. Personal Information Protection and Security Issues
AI systems achieve high efficiency by collecting and processing vast amounts of data, but this process carries the risk of personal data being leaked or misused. Increasingly, global companies are collecting and using user data without explicit consent. Such actions not only infringe on privacy but can also make individuals the target of cyberattacks.
2. Forgery and Manipulation – The Spread of AI-Generated Fake Content
Deepfakes:
Deepfake technology, which uses AI to realistically manipulate faces and voices, can be exploited for crimes such as political propaganda, defamation, and sexual exploitation. We are already seeing real-world cases of celebrities’ faces being manipulated to spread misinformation.
Fake News Generation:
AI can generate news articles in convincing language, making it easier for false information to circulate as if it were real news. This poses a serious risk to social stability and public trust.
3. Identity Theft and Fraud
Identity Theft:
Cases are increasing where fake profiles or identity documents created by AI are used to access financial services or steal personal information through social engineering techniques.
Automated Scams:
AI can analyze individuals and tailor scams accordingly, causing significant damage to both individuals and businesses. Financial losses from AI-driven fraud are estimated to reach billions of dollars.
4. AI-Powered Financial Crimes
Sophisticated Financial Fraud:
AI can learn user behavior patterns to build trust and then execute complex fraud schemes such as offering fake investment opportunities or selling false financial products.
Detection Difficulties:
Traditional fraud detection systems are vulnerable to new AI-driven fraud techniques, making it increasingly difficult for financial institutions to protect their customers.
Global Identity Verification ARGOS’s Strategies
ARGOS actively embraces the technological advancement of AI, while also developing solutions to counter problems such as forgery, identity theft, and fraud. Here’s how we’re responding:
1. Development of AI-Based Forgery and Fraud Detection Technology
ARGOS can proactively detect threats generated by AI, including deepfake content and document forgery. This technology plays a crucial role in helping individuals and companies prevent fraud in advance.
2. Data-Driven Risk Pattern Analysis
By analyzing data with AI, ARGOS identifies fraud patterns in advance and proposes optimized risk response solutions for businesses. This enables the construction of early warning systems and strengthens corporate risk management capabilities.
ARGOS Identity goes beyond simply utilizing AI technology; we are enhancing services like ID Check to analyze and prevent all the risks that may arise from it.
Going forward, ARGOS will continue to strive to be a trusted partner in the AI era.
