Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
OpenAI is planning to release a new version of its Sora video generator in the coming days, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. This new update will allow the tool to create videos that may include copyrighted material, unless the rights holders specifically opt out. The move has already sparked discussions in the creative and entertainment industries.
Rights Holders Must Opt Out
Under the planned system, OpenAI will require movie studios, talent agencies, and other rights holders to explicitly request that their copyrighted material not be included in videos generated by Sora. Without an opt-out request, their content may appear in AI-generated clips. This approach shifts responsibility onto intellectual property owners rather than the AI developer.
Notification to Talent Agencies and Studios
Reports suggest that OpenAI has already started notifying talent agencies and studios about both the opt-out process and the upcoming launch. These communications mark the company’s attempt to prepare the industry for a change that could reshape how copyrighted works interact with AI-generated content.
Limits on Public Figures
The new version of Sora will not generate images or likenesses of recognisable public figures without their permission. This rule is designed to prevent misuse of celebrity identities, which has been a growing concern in the AI space. However, fictional characters and copyrighted material fall under the opt-out requirement.
Standalone Sora App in Development
In addition to the new video generation process, OpenAI is also preparing to launch a standalone app for Sora 2, according to Wired. The app will feature a vertical video feed with swipe-to-scroll navigation similar to TikTok. Users will be able to create short clips of up to 10 seconds in length directly within the app.
No Option for Uploaded Content
The Sora 2 app will not allow users to upload videos or photos from their own devices or from other apps. Instead, the focus will remain entirely on content generated within Sora. This approach suggests that OpenAI wants to tightly control how media is produced and used inside the platform.
Identity Verification for Users
The upcoming app will include an identity verification feature. This allows users to confirm their likeness and, once verified, they may use their own appearance in videos. This system could help prevent impersonation and misuse of personal identity in generated content.
Positive Internal Feedback
OpenAI reportedly launched the app internally last week to employees. Early feedback was described as overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong excitement for Sora’s potential as both a creative tool and an entertainment platform.
Industry Concerns on Copyright Use
The inclusion of copyrighted material by default, unless an opt-out request is made, has raised concern among creative professionals. Many industry experts worry this approach could blur boundaries between original creative work and AI-generated output, especially in film and animation sectors.
Expanding Multimodal AI Technology
OpenAI first launched Sora in December of last year, entering the growing field of text-to-video generation. The tool competes with similar offerings from Meta, Google, and Stability AI. By adding new features and launching a standalone app, OpenAI aims to strengthen its position in the multimodal AI market.
Growing Competition in AI Video
AI-generated video is rapidly advancing, with companies racing to provide the most realistic, creative, and easy-to-use platforms. OpenAI’s Sora has already gained attention for producing highly convincing visuals, which has both excited creators and rattled parts of the entertainment industry that rely heavily on copyright protection.
The upcoming Sora update shows OpenAI’s ambition to push the limits of AI video generation. By shifting copyright management to an opt-out model, the company is challenging traditional intellectual property norms. At the same time, its new app promises a social-media-style platform that could transform how users interact with AI-created video content. Whether welcomed or resisted, Sora’s expansion highlights the disruptive power of AI in creative industries.
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