OpenAI has announced the closure of its social media application Sora, which gained significant popularity last year as a platform for sharing short videos created by artificial intelligence. This move follows concerns raised in Hollywood and beyond regarding the potential misuse of AI-generated content.
In a brief message on social media, OpenAI stated that it is bidding farewell to the Sora app and will provide further details soon on how users can preserve their existing creations on the platform. The company acknowledged the disappointment this decision may bring to users, emphasizing the value of their contributions.
Initially launched in September by the developers of the ChatGPT chatbot, Sora aimed to attract attention and advertising revenue from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. However, the platform faced criticism from various advocacy groups, scholars, and professionals who warned about the risks associated with allowing unrestricted AI video creation, including the spread of nonconsensual content and lifelike deepfakes.
OpenAI took action to restrict the creation of AI-generated videos depicting public figures engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as Michael Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mister Rogers, following objections from their estates and a actors’ union. Disney, which had partnered with OpenAI to feature its characters on Sora, expressed support for OpenAI’s decision to exit the video production sector and shift its focus elsewhere.
In a statement, Disney highlighted the positive collaboration with OpenAI and its commitment to exploring new ways to connect with fans through AI platforms while upholding intellectual property rights and creators’ interests.