OpenAI's ChatGPT is generating cartoons that mimic the iconic style of The New Yorker and is also appending the signatures of real cartoonists to the fake artwork without their consent. A report from Nieman Lab found that the AI has used the signatures of more than 15 artists, leading to confusion and concern among the creators who consider their signature a mark of authenticity.
The issue persists despite a 2024 licensing deal between OpenAI and The New Yorker's parent company, Condé Nast, which a spokesperson stated does not permit training AI models on its cartoons. After being notified, OpenAI stated the prompts might violate its policies, but the AI reportedly continues to generate cartoons with forged signatures of real artists.