OpenAI announced Thursday it has paused the ability for users to generate videos resembling the late civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. using its AI video model, Sora. The company stated this safeguard was implemented at the request of Dr. King’s estate, following reports of “disrespectful depictions” of his image being created by some Sora users.
In a statement posted on X from its official newsroom account, OpenAI indicated that while “there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures,” the company believes “public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used.” The statement further clarified that “Authorized representatives or estate owners can request that their likeness not be used in Sora cameos.” The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc. (King, Inc.) confirmed its collaboration with OpenAI to address concerns regarding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s representation in Sora generations.
This restriction emerges weeks after the launch of Sora, OpenAI's social video platform, which enables users to create realistic AI-generated videos, including those resembling historical figures and individuals who opt-in to have their likeness recreated. The platform's introduction has fueled public discussion concerning the implications of AI-generated videos and the necessity for robust guardrails.
Reports from The Washington Post earlier this week detailed some AI-generated videos of Dr. King, which included depictions of him making “monkey noises” and “wrestling with another civil rights icon, Malcolm X.” Dr. Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter, had previously requested via Instagram that individuals cease sending her AI videos resembling her father. Similar requests have been made by the daughter of Robin Williams regarding AI videos of her late father.
Beyond human likeness, Sora's capabilities have also initiated discussions regarding the handling of AI videos depicting copyrighted works, with numerous examples on the platform featuring characters from franchises such as SpongeBob, South Park, and Pokémon. OpenAI has implemented other restrictions on Sora since its launch, including plans to provide copyright holders with more granular control over AI video generation involving their likeness. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman previously acknowledged “trepidation” about Sora on its launch day, with Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT, indicating that deploying new technology allows the company to learn how to refine its distribution and moderation.”
