● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
ChatGPT Generates Fake New Yorker Cartoons with Real Cartoonists' Signatures
Key points
- ChatGPT generated a cartoon with Brendan Loper's signature.
- Loper did not create or sign the AI-generated cartoon.
- Other New Yorker cartoonists' signatures have also been reproduced.
- Signatures act as a mark of authenticity for cartoonists.
AI-Generated Cartoon Goes Viral
A cartoon depicting Dolly Parton and Tim Curry at the pearly gates, signed with the pen name "BLOPER" (Brendan Loper), went viral on social media platforms. The cartoon was generated by ChatGPT in response to a user's request for a "New Yorker-style cartoon" and was not created by Loper.
Cartoonist's Signature Reproduced Without Consent
Brendan Loper, a New Yorker cartoonist, confirmed he did not draw or sign the viral cartoon. He was contacted by friends and strangers asking about the image. This was not the first instance; Loper had previously been alerted to his signature appearing on other AI-generated images in May and found more examples in Reddit forums.
Violation of Personhood and Authenticity
Loper expressed that while he understood his work might be used for AI training, the reproduction of his signature felt like a "violation of his personhood." He views his signature as a certificate of authenticity and a brand mark, especially in an era where cartoons are often circulated without proper attribution.
Broader Impact on Cartoonists
The issue extends beyond Loper, as online forums show dozens of AI-generated images featuring the signatures of other prominent New Yorker cartoonists. This trend highlights a growing concern within the artistic community regarding the unauthorized use of their identifying marks by AI systems.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
ChatGPT is generating New Yorker-style cartoons that include the signatures of real cartoonists, such as Brendan Loper, without their consent. This development raises concerns about intellectual property and the unauthorized use of artists' identities in AI-generated content.