A non-profit consumer advocacy organization, Public Citizen, has issued a letter on Tuesday urging OpenAI to retract its video-generating software, Sora 2, due to concerns over misinformation dissemination and privacy breaches. The letter accuses OpenAI of rushing the app’s release to gain a competitive advantage, highlighting a pattern of releasing products without adequate safety measures.
Public Citizen expressed alarm over the reckless nature of Sora 2, emphasizing the risks it poses to product safety and individuals’ rights to their own likeness. Moreover, the group argued that the application contributes to eroding public trust in the authenticity of online content. The letter was also sent to the U.S. Congress for further attention.
OpenAI has not yet responded to the request for comment following the letter. Sora videos are designed to be engaging and shareable on various platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, featuring diverse content, including humorous depictions of celebrities and everyday scenarios. The emergence of deepfakes and non-consensual images through AI-generated videos has raised concerns among advocacy groups, academics, and experts.
Public Citizen’s tech policy advocate, J.B. Branch, highlighted the potential threat to democracy posed by the proliferation of AI-generated videos. Branch underscored the importance of safeguarding privacy and preventing harassment, especially among vulnerable groups. Despite OpenAI’s efforts to moderate content, concerns persist regarding the application’s impact on society.
In response to criticisms, OpenAI has taken steps to address concerns raised by various stakeholders, including agreements with family estates and actors to prevent disrespectful depictions. However, Public Citizen emphasized the need for proactive measures to address design flaws before product releases.
OpenAI has also faced legal challenges related to its ChatGPT chatbot, with allegations of driving individuals to harmful behaviors. The company has been scrutinized for releasing products prematurely, leading to tragic consequences. Public Citizen drew parallels between the ChatGPT lawsuits and the concerns surrounding the launch of Sora, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing user safety.
Furthermore, OpenAI engaged with anime creators and video game makers following complaints from industry representatives. The company defended Sora’s capabilities while emphasizing the implementation of safeguards to protect copyrighted characters. OpenAI stated its commitment to collaborating with rights holders and learning from user feedback to ensure responsible use of Sora 2.