OpenAI Suspends AI-Generated Videos Of Martin Luther King Jr On Sora

OpenAI has ceased its AI application, Sora’s, ability to create deepfake content of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The decision was implemented following a request from his family.

Sora, which can generate realistic videos and even creative remixes of existing videos, has gone viral in the U.S. As a result, fake videos of deceased celebrities have started spreading through social media, and the same issue occurred with Martin Luther King Jr.

The firm admitted that the app generated content that showed disrespect to Martin Luther King Jr. Though OpenAI blocked the content generation regarding him, the firm also made clear that this block is not applicable to the content of other celebrities, as reported by the BBC.

Critics say that this selective approach can lead to the spread of misinformation that will make it difficult for people to distinguish between what is real and what is fake. Videos featuring figures such as President John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, and Professor Stephen Hawking have been shared widely online. Recently, an AI video of the late actor Robin Williams was created, something his daughter Zelda found disturbing.

OpenAI reportedly told in early October it had built “multiple layers of protection” to prevent misuse. The firm also said it conducted direct conversations with public figures and content owners to find out about the controls they need, and these will be applied in later updates.