Public Citizen Calls for OpenAI to Withdraw Sora Video App

Public Citizen, a prominent watchdog group, is urging OpenAI to withdraw its AI video application, Sora 2, due to concerns over deepfake technology and its potential implications for public safety and democracy. The organization expressed its concerns in a letter to OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, highlighting the app’s rapid release without adequate safety measures.

Sora 2 allows users to create a range of AI-generated videos, from humorous clips featuring public figures to unsettling scenarios that can mislead viewers. This technology has quickly gained traction on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook. Videos produced by Sora often include bizarre and potentially harmful scenarios, like fake doorbell camera footage featuring animals in alarming situations.

The letter from Public Citizen emphasizes that the app’s launch reflects a “consistent and dangerous pattern” of OpenAI prioritizing market competition over safety. The group asserts that Sora 2 demonstrates a “reckless disregard” for individuals’ rights to control their likenesses and raises serious concerns about the stability of democratic processes.

J.B. Branch, a tech policy advocate at Public Citizen, articulated the group’s primary concern: “Our biggest concern is the potential threat to democracy. People may not be able to trust what they see, and the first image or video released often shapes public perception.” This sentiment reflects broader worries about how deepfake technology could mislead voters and distort public discourse.

Public Citizen’s letter also addresses privacy issues, particularly for vulnerable populations. While OpenAI has implemented content restrictions, Branch noted that harassment can still occur in various forms, particularly against women, who may find themselves featured in fetishized content that evades the app’s safeguards. Reports have surfaced of Sora-generated videos depicting disturbing scenarios involving women.

Since its introduction on iPhones over a month ago and recent launch on Android devices in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Asia, including Japan and South Korea, Sora 2 has faced significant backlash. Notably, the app has drawn criticism from Hollywood and the Japanese manga industry, which have raised concerns about the implications of AI-generated content on artistic integrity and public safety.

In response to mounting criticism, OpenAI announced plans to enhance its content moderation practices soon after Sora’s release. The company stated that while user frustration with overmoderation is acknowledged, it is crucial to proceed cautiously as society adapts to this new technology. Agreements were reached with the families of notable figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., to prevent disrespectful depictions, reflecting OpenAI’s recognition of the need for better safeguards.

Branch criticized OpenAI’s approach, arguing that the company often reacts to the outrage of a limited audience rather than proactively addressing potential harms before launch. He expressed concern that the current trajectory of AI development prioritizes user engagement over ethical considerations and safety.

OpenAI has also recently faced legal challenges related to its flagship product, ChatGPT. Seven lawsuits filed in California allege that the AI chatbot contributed to severe mental health issues, with claims that it was released prematurely despite internal warnings about its potential harmful effects. While Public Citizen was not involved in these lawsuits, Branch sees parallels in the rapid deployment of Sora 2, asserting that the company is “putting the pedal to the floor without regard for harms.”

In light of these developments, OpenAI is engaging with various stakeholders, including trade associations representing influential creators, to refine its technology and address the concerns being raised in the creative industries. The company has stated its commitment to learning from user feedback and implementing necessary adjustments to improve Sora 2’s safety features.

As the debate over the ethical implications of AI technology continues, Public Citizen remains vocal in its call for accountability. The organization has extended its letter to U.S. Congress, underscoring the urgent need for legislative oversight in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.