OpenAI’s Sora 2 Sparks Concerns in Hollywood Over AI-Generated Content

Los Angeles, CA — OpenAI‘s latest AI tool, Sora 2, has raised alarms in Hollywood due to its ability to create realistic videos of famous figures using text prompts and images. This technology allows creators to digitally recreate personalities like Robin Williams and Tupac Shakur. Concerns about privacy, consent, and copyright have sparked a debate among artists and unions.

Sora 2 can generate high-quality audio and video content, but some creators have misused it to make unauthorized depictions of historical figures. For instance, videos have circulated showing Martin Luther King, Jr. altering his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and Mister Rogers meeting Tupac Shakur. Williams’ daughter, Zelda, publicly criticized the misuse of her father’s likeness, calling it “horrible slop” on Instagram. She expressed her discomfort with creators “making disgusting, over-processed hot dogs out of the lives of human beings.”

Actress Chaley Rose also shared her apprehensions, stating, “It’s kind of cool, it’s kind of scary.” She highlighted the potential for misuse of actors’ images without consent, emphasizing that artists should retain control over their performances.

Hollywood’s talent agencies have voiced strong opposition to Sora 2, declaring there’s “no substitute for human talent.” The United Talent Agency released a statement declaring their commitment to protecting their clients from exploitation related to AI technology. They stressed that this type of usage flouts rights and harms the creative community.

In response to the backlash, OpenAI has introduced new policies, including an “opt-in” approach that allows artists to control how their likenesses are used. The company plans to block the generation of well-known characters from its public feed and is cooperating with SAG-AFTRA, which represents many in the entertainment industry, to support federal legislation known as the “No FAKES” Act, aimed at protecting performers’ rights.

In a statement, SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland warned of the potential dangers for the entertainment industry, saying, “It’s a moment of real concern and danger for everyone in the entertainment industry. If the concept of consent isn’t fully embedded, there’s virtually no way to control or limit what it can do.”

The Motion Picture Association also noted an upsurge in copyright infringement since Sora 2’s launch, prompting calls for tighter controls on AI-generated content.

OpenAI has already removed some controversial videos, including those depicting Martin Luther King, Jr. after his estate lodged complaints regarding the content’s disrespect. The company indicates plans to enhance safeguards that grant content creators more control over their work, ensuring that consent is integral to any future AI-generated creations.