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OpenAI expands image generator access to all users

OpenAI has made its image generator, powered by the GPT-4o model, accessible to all users, CEO Sam Altman announced on X. Previously, this feature was available only to paying ChatGPT subscribers.

While there is no clear indication of how many images free-tier users can create, Altman previously mentioned a possible limit of three per day.

The tool has seen massive demand since its launch, with Altman joking that OpenAI’s GPUs were ‘melting’ under the pressure. However, it has also sparked controversy, particularly after users began generating images in the style of Studio Ghibli, raising copyright concerns.

Others have used the generator to create fake receipts, such as restaurant bills. OpenAI has responded by stating that all AI-generated images contain metadata identifying them and that the company takes action when violations occur.

In a major financial development, OpenAI has secured $40 billion in funding from SoftBank, valuing the company at $300 billion. The company also revealed that ChatGPT now boasts 500 million weekly active users and 700 million monthly active users, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

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OpenAI’s Ghibli-style tool raises privacy and data issues

OpenAI’s Ghibli-style AI image generator has taken social media by storm, with users eagerly transforming their photos into artwork reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s signature style.

However, digital privacy activists are raising concerns that OpenAI might use this viral trend to collect thousands of personal images for AI training, potentially bypassing legal restrictions on web-scraped data.

Critics warn that while users enjoy the feature, they could unknowingly be handing over fresh facial data instead of protecting their privacy, raising ethical questions about AI and data collection.

Beyond privacy concerns, the trend has also reignited debates about AI’s impact on creative industries. Miyazaki, known for his hand-drawn approach, has previously expressed scepticism about artificial intelligence in animation.

Additionally, under GDPR regulations, OpenAI must justify data collection under “legitimate interest,” but experts argue that users voluntarily uploading images could give the company more freedom to use them instead of requiring further legal justification.

OpenAI has yet to issue an official statement regarding data safety, but ChatGPT itself warns users against uploading personal photos to any AI tool unless they are certain about its privacy policies.

Cybersecurity experts advise people to think twice before sharing high-resolution images online, use passwords instead of facial recognition for device security, and limit app access to their cameras.

As AI-generated image trends continue to gain popularity, the debate over privacy and data ownership is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

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DeepSeek overtakes ChatGPT in new visits, report shows

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing AI tool, surpassing ChatGPT in new monthly website visits. In February alone, it recorded over 524 million fresh visits, edging past ChatGPT’s 500 million, according to analytics platform aitools.xyz.

Though still third overall behind ChatGPT and Canva in total traffic, DeepSeek’s market share rose sharply to 6.58%, with 792.6 million visits and 136.5 million unique users. India played a significant role, ranking fourth in traffic contribution with over 43 million monthly visits.

The report shows DeepSeek now holds over 12% of the global chatbot market. With the AI industry seeing more than 12 billion visits and 3 billion unique users last month, the rapid rise of DeepSeek signals intensifying competition in the AI space.

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Google expands Gemini Pro access

Google has made its powerful Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available to free users for the first time. Previously reserved for subscribers, the experimental version is now accessible via the Gemini app, web platform, and AI Studio.

The model is designed to handle complex prompts, showcase advanced reasoning, and assist with coding tasks. It performs strongly in maths and science benchmarks, and even created a working video game from just one line of text in a demo.

Though still experimental, Gemini 2.5 Pro supports tools like file uploads and app extensions. Users can also see how it breaks down a request before replying, offering deeper insight into the through process of the AI.

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TikTok Shop launches in France, Germany and Italy

TikTok is expanding its e-commerce push by launching TikTok Shop in France, Germany and Italy. Already active in Spain and Ireland, the feature allows users to buy products directly within the app via videos, livestreams and a dedicated shop tab.

Customers can now browse, order, and get personalised product suggestions without leaving TikTok. However, users under 18 won’t be able to access content linked to TikTok Shop, with the platform promising stricter moderation.

The move has sparked concern among French retailers, with trade groups calling on the government to act against what they see as unfair competition from platforms like TikTok, Shein and Temu. Lawmakers are also investigating TikTok’s impact on young users.

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Canada unveils self-assessment tool for privacy breaches

Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne has introduced an online tool designed to help businesses and federal institutions assess the impact of privacy breaches.

The web-based self-assessment tool guides users through key questions to determine whether a breach poses a real risk of significant harm to individuals.

Organizations governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and federal institutions must report breaches that could cause harm, including financial loss, identity theft, or damage to reputation.

The tool assists users in evaluating data sensitivity and the likelihood of misuse, helping them determine if they must notify affected individuals and regulators.

Privacy breaches can result from cyberattacks, scams, or accidental data exposure, particularly involving sensitive health or financial information.

The Privacy Commissioner’s office aims to streamline risk assessments, ensuring compliance with federal privacy laws while improving data protection standards across Canada.

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EU regulators seek common approach on DSA

The Coimisiún na Meán has warned that differing interpretations of the Digital Services Act (DSA) by EU regulators are hindering a unified approach to online platform regulation.

Maria Donde, Director of International Affairs at Coimisiún na Meán, highlighted the challenges of aligning various regulators’ approaches to the DSA, which has left room for interpretation.

She emphasised the importance of finding common ground, especially as the DSA, which came into effect last February, imposes transparency and election integrity requirements on platforms.

The DSA requires each EU member state to appoint a Digital Services Coordinator as a point of contact for platforms. Ireland, home to major platforms like TikTok and X, is at the forefront of enforcement.

Donde stressed the need for a consistent voice within the EU, particularly as the law faces criticism globally. The US government has condemned the EU’s regulatory approach, calling it a threat to free speech and accusing Europe of sidelining US tech companies.

The European Commission has already initiated several investigations under the DSA, targeting platforms such as X, TikTok, and Temu. These probes are ongoing, with potential fines for non-compliance reaching up to 6% of a company’s global turnover.

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French watchdog fines Apple for abuse of app tracking tool

Apple has been fined €150 million ($162.42 million) by French antitrust regulators for allegedly abusing its dominant position in mobile app advertising between 2021 and 2023. The fine is the first to be imposed on Apple over its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool.

While the tool, which allows iPhone and iPad users to control app tracking, is not criticised itself, the French competition watchdog claimed its implementation was excessive and not proportional to its goal of protecting personal data.

The French regulators stated that ATT particularly harmed smaller publishers, who rely heavily on third-party data for their business. Despite the fine, Apple was not required to modify the ATT tool.

The decision follows complaints from online advertisers, publishers, and internet networks, who accused Apple of misusing its market power. Apple expressed disappointment with the fine but noted that no changes to the tool were mandated.

The fine comes after a €1.8 billion penalty last year from the EU, which accused Apple of restricting music streaming competitors. Additionally, the German antitrust agency has launched a probe into Apple for allegedly giving itself preferential treatment with the same privacy tool.

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TikTok ban threatens 170 million American users

The US is just days away from imposing a ban on TikTok unless a deal is struck with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. The ban, set to take effect on Saturday, would affect 170 million American users of the popular app.

However, President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached in time. He extended the deadline from January to April 5 to give ByteDance more time to find a non-Chinese buyer for TikTok’s US operations.

Trump mentioned that there is significant interest from potential buyers, with private equity firm Blackstone reportedly evaluating a minority investment in TikTok’s US business.

The discussions are centred on ByteDance’s existing non-Chinese shareholders, including Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic. Washington’s main concern is that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance allows the Chinese government to potentially influence the app and collect data on Americans.

Despite the pressure, TikTok has yet to comment on the situation. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, TikTok faces the risk of being banned, though the app would remain on users’ devices if already installed. However, new users would not be able to download it.

The app is already banned in countries like India over similar national security concerns.

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OpenAI faces copyright debate over Ghibli-style images

Studio Ghibli-style artwork has gone viral on social media, with users flocking to ChatGPT’s feature to create or transform images into Japanese anime-inspired versions. Celebrities have also joined the trend, posting Ghibli-style photos of themselves.

However, what began as a fun trend has sparked concerns over copyright infringement and the ethics of AI recreating the work of established artists instead of respecting their intellectual property.

While OpenAI has allowed premium users to create Ghibli-style images, users without subscriptions can still make up to three images for free.

The rise of this feature has led to debates over whether these AI-generated images violate copyright laws, particularly as the style is closely associated with renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Intellectual property lawyer Even Brown clarified that the style itself isn’t explicitly protected, but he raised concerns that OpenAI’s AI may have been trained on Ghibli’s previous works instead of using independent sources, which could present potential copyright issues.

OpenAI has responded by taking a more conservative approach with its tools, introducing a refusal feature when users attempt to generate images in the style of living artists instead of allowing such images.

Despite this, the controversy continues, as artists like Karla Ortiz are suing other AI generators for copyright infringement. Ortiz has criticised OpenAI for not valuing the work and livelihoods of artists, calling the Ghibli trend a clear example of such disregard.

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