OpenAI Images 2.0, Controversy Over Use of Existing Photo

It has been pointed out that the 'College Campus' example image in OpenAI's official blog post announcing Images 2.0 almost perfectly matches an actual existing photo.

The image was confirmed to be identical to a photo taken by Cornell Daily Sun reporter Taryn Chung. In relation to this, the following technical possibilities are being discussed:

• Image memorization within model weights: The possibility that the model reproduced a specific image included in its training data as-is
• Returning web search results: The possibility that the model pulled an existing image via web search instead of generating one
• Testing and documentation error: The possibility of a simple mistake made either because a tool didn't work properly during internal testing, or during the writing of the documentation

Some have noted that the photo is too recent to likely have been included in the training data, which is fueling growing doubts about the model's behavior and verification process.