ChatGPT blocks direct requests to copy an author's style

OpenAI has updated ChatGPT to prevent the chatbot from directly copying the writing style of specific authors when users explicitly request it. The change comes after authors and publishers raised concerns that the AI could be used to mimic copyrighted works without permission.

The restriction affects anyone using ChatGPT who asks it to replicate the style of a named author, such as Stephen King or J.K. Rowling. This includes writers, students, and other users who might have relied on the feature for creative inspiration or parody. The move is part of a broader effort to address intellectual property disputes.

The update matters because it signals OpenAI’s response to legal pressure from authors who have sued the company for alleged copyright infringement. By blocking style imitation, OpenAI aims to reduce the risk of generating content that could be seen as unauthorized derivative works, potentially setting a precedent for how AI companies handle style replication.

According to Ars Technica, the change was first reported on February 7, 2025. OpenAI did not provide specific numbers of affected users or a detailed timeline for the rollout. The company stated that the restriction applies to direct requests but may still allow indirect stylistic imitation in some cases.

This development follows a series of lawsuits filed by authors against OpenAI, including a high-profile case from the Authors Guild in 2023. Those lawsuits allege that ChatGPT was trained on copyrighted texts without permission. OpenAI has previously argued that its use of copyrighted material falls under fair use.

Going forward, users who attempt to request style copying will receive a refusal message from ChatGPT. OpenAI has not indicated whether it will extend the restriction to other forms of content generation, such as mimicking the style of artists or musicians. The company continues to face ongoing litigation that could further shape its content policies.