OpenAI has restricted ChatGPT from fulfilling prompts that ask the AI to write in the style of famous authors [1].

This change marks a significant shift in how generative AI handles literary intellectual property. By blocking the ability to mimic specific prose styles, OpenAI is attempting to navigate the complex legal landscape of copyright and the rights of creators, or their estates, to control their artistic identity.

As of July 30, 2026, the company implemented these restrictions [1]. The move targets prompts requesting the AI to emulate authors regardless of whether they are currently living or deceased [1]. This includes high-profile figures such as Ernest Hemingway, whose minimalist style has long been a popular request for users testing the capabilities of large language models [1].

Reports indicate that the decision is rooted in copyright concerns [1]. While the legal status of "style" as a copyrightable asset remains a subject of debate in courts, OpenAI is taking a preemptive approach to avoid potential litigation from estates and authors. The company has not provided a detailed public roadmap for how these restrictions will be enforced across different versions of its models, but users have noted the change in output responses [1].

Previously, users could ask the AI to draft essays, stories, or emails using the distinct voice of a specific writer to achieve a particular tone. Now, the system is designed to shut the door on such requests [1]. This represents a broader trend of AI developers implementing stricter guardrails as the industry faces increasing pressure from the creative community to compensate for the data used to train these systems [1].

“OpenAI has quietly shut the door on prompts asking ChatGPT to write 'in the style of' famous authors, living or dead.”

This move signals a transition from the 'wild west' era of generative AI toward a more cautious legal framework. By restricting style mimicry, OpenAI is acknowledging that the unique 'voice' of an author may be viewed as a protectable asset, potentially setting a precedent for how other AI companies handle intellectual property and the digital replication of human artistry.