Shueisha Halts Sales of First Generative AI Photobook: Insufficient Consideration of Copyright Issues

According to reports from Japanese media, Shueisha has announced the suspension of sales for its first generative AI-created digital photobook titled 'Birth' ('生まれたて' in Japanese). The company stated that insufficient consideration was given to the various issues surrounding the sale of generative AI photobooks.

The protagonist of this photobook is a virtual female model named Satsuki Ai ('皋月爱' in Japanese), created using generative AI technology by Shueisha's 'Weekly Playboy' magazine. On May 29th, Shueisha officially released the digital version of the photobook 'Birth' for online sale. The physical edition of 'Weekly Playboy' magazine released during the same period also featured a special article showcasing multiple photos created by generative AI featuring Satsuki Ai.

After the magazine's release, there were voices on social media expressing concerns about the realism of Satsuki Ai and questioning whether it involved any infringement of real models' photographs. In response, Shueisha stated, 'Regarding the commercialization of AI products, we have concluded that we should give more careful consideration while examining the ongoing deepening discussions in society.'