OpenAI stopped users of its Sora 2 app from creating videos with Martin Luther King Jr.’s likeness after some people made what the company called disrespectful depictions. The tech firm made the decision after Bernice A. King, the civil rights leader’s youngest child, contacted OpenAI on behalf of his estate.
King Estate Requests Stronger Controls
According to CBS News, OpenAI and King Estate Inc. said in a joint statement that the company paused generations depicting Dr. King as it strengthens guardrails for historical figures. The King Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, declined to comment further. OpenAI did not respond to requests for comment.
The company launched Sora 2 in September. The AI video app lets users create realistic and fantastical content with cameos of themselves, friends and others who grant permission. The app quickly jumped to the top of Apple’s app store.
Policy on Historical Figures
Users can control the use of their own likeness on Sora 2. OpenAI has not specified its policy on generating videos with images of deceased people. The company said Thursday that authorized representatives and estate owners can request that a public figure’s likeness not be used in Sora 2 videos.
OpenAI and King’s estate said that while there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures, the company believes public figures and their families should have control over how their likeness is used.
Copyright Concerns Also Surface
Sora 2 has also stirred controversy after content creators generated many video clips that included copyrighted characters. These included animated TV character SpongeBob SquarePants and Mario from the Nintendo video game. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the problem in a blog post earlier this month. He noted that the company will give copyright owners more granular control over generation of characters.
The pause on Martin Luther King Jr. depictions marks a significant moment for AI-generated content. It shows how tech companies must balance creative freedom with respect for historical figures and their estates.
