OpenAI removes AI video app Sora amid growing concerns over deepfakes

OpenAI Announces Closure of Sora Social Media App

In a statement released on Tuesday, OpenAI confirmed that it will be shutting down its social media app Sora, which was launched in September as an attempt to capture the attention of users and generate advertising revenue through short-form videos. The company cited a need to focus its business on other areas, including coding tools and corporate customers.

Sora gained popularity towards the end of last year for its ability to generate short-form videos using artificial intelligence. However, concerns were raised by advocacy groups, academics, and experts about the potential dangers of allowing users to create AI-generated content without proper regulation. The company was forced to implement measures to prevent the creation of non-consensual images and realistic deepfakes.

Disney, which had partnered with OpenAI on a deal to bring its characters to Sora, expressed respect for the company’s decision to exit the video generation business. However, the move came as a surprise to Disney, with teams working together on a project linked to Sora just hours before the announcement.

The closure of Sora marks an important step in OpenAI’s efforts to streamline its business and prepare for a potential stock market debut later this year. The decision also ends a blockbuster $1 billion deal between Disney and OpenAI that was announced three months ago, although no money had been exchanged at the time of the announcement.

OpenAI will provide more information on how to preserve user-generated content on Sora in the coming days.

Source: Al Jazeera