OpenAI’s Sora video became the No. 1 app on the US App Store on Friday just three days after its launch despite being invite-only.
Sora generates high-definition videos from text prompts and allows users to insert realistic “cameos” of themselves or friends (with their consent). It also adds dialogue and sound effects.
The app harnesses the virality of AI slop
OpenAI touts the app as a fun way to engage in social media, sharing comical yet lifelike Sora videos of people racing giant ducks, ice skating with cats, Japanese studio-level anime, and even filming bloopers that are entirely AI-generated.
However, copyright alarms rang. Users shared characters like Mario, Luigi, Lara Croft, and Princess Peach, raising questions about training data.
The ChatGPT maker is already facing lawsuits from authors, such as Jodi Picoult, and publishers, including The New York Times.
Additionally, the “cameos” feature in the Sora app has raised concerns about online bullying and deepfakes. There is even a viral AI clip depicting OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shoplifting from Target.
To counter misuse, OpenAI has added moving watermarks and invisible metadata to all Sora videos, though the latter can be stripped. The company also says the app blocks explicit and self-harm content.
Experts stress that multiple authentication layers are needed.