OpenAI Halts MLK Videos on Sora After Family Request
OpenAI Halts Martin Luther King Jr. AI Videos on Sora Following Family’s Request
In a significant move, OpenAI has paused the ability for users to generate videos depicting the late civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. using its AI video platform, Sora. The decision was made in direct response to a request from Dr. King’s estate after users created and shared “disrespectful depictions” of his image.
The company announced the move as a safeguard while it strengthens its policies regarding historical figures. According to a statement from OpenAI, while there is a strong public interest in depicting historical figures under free speech, the company believes public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used. Consequently, authorized representatives or estate owners can now formally request that a person’s likeness not be used in Sora videos.
A Backlash Fueled by Disrespectful Content
The controversy ignited just weeks after the launch of Sora, a platform that allows users to create realistic AI-generated videos of historical figures, friends, and other individuals. Its release stirred a fervent public debate about the dangers of deepfake technology and the urgent need for robust ethical guardrails.
The issue gained prominence after Dr. Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter, publicly asked people on social media to stop sending her AI-generated videos of her father. Her plea was echoed by Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, who made a similar request regarding AI videos of her father.
News reports earlier this week revealed the extent of the misuse, detailing that Sora users had created videos showing Dr. King making monkey noises and wrestling with fellow civil rights icon Malcolm X. A brief look through the app revealed a landscape of crude or bizarre videos featuring other historical figures and deceased celebrities.
Broader Questions of Copyright and Moderation
The fallout from Sora’s launch extends beyond the depiction of real people, raising serious questions about intellectual property rights. The platform has been flooded with videos featuring famous cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Pokémon, prompting OpenAI to begin implementing more granular controls for copyright holders.
In a different vein, the company appears to be taking a varied approach to content moderation across its products. While tightening restrictions on Sora, OpenAI recently announced it would soon allow adult users to engage in “erotic” conversations with ChatGPT.
This approach suggests OpenAI is navigating the complexities of deploying powerful technology through real-world feedback. Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT, noted earlier this month that the best way to educate the world about a new technology is to release it publicly. As the company is learning with Sora, that process also involves learning how to distribute it responsibly.
