OpenAI blocks Sora 2 users from using MLK Jr.’s likeness after “disrespectful depictions”
OpenAI Temporarily Blocks Use of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Likeness on Sora 2 AI Video App
OpenAI has taken a stand against disrespectful depictions of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. on its Sora 2 AI video app. The decision comes after Bernice A. King, representing her father’s estate, reached out to the company to address the issue.
In response to the estate’s concerns, OpenAI has decided to pause generations depicting Dr. King while it implements stronger guardrails for historical figures. This move was announced in a joint statement by OpenAI and King Estate Inc.
Sora 2, a popular AI video generation app launched by OpenAI in September, allows users to create hyperrealistic content with the inclusion of various individuals, including themselves and their friends. However, the app has faced scrutiny for its portrayal of copyrighted characters like SpongeBob Squarepants and Mario from Nintendo.
While users have the ability to control the use of their own likeness on Sora 2, OpenAI has not specified its policy regarding generating videos with images of deceased individuals. The company has stated that authorized representatives and estate owners can request that a public figure’s likeness not be used in Sora 2 videos.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the issue of copyrighted characters in a recent blog post, promising to give copyright owners more control over the generation of characters on the platform. The company acknowledges the importance of free speech but believes that public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used.
