OpenAI has paused the creation of AI-generated videos depicting the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. using its video model, Sora. The move follows requests from Dr. King’s estate after users created disrespectful portrayals of the activist.
“While there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures, OpenAI believes public figures and their families should have control over how their likeness is used,” the company said on X.
The restriction comes weeks after Sora’s launch, which allows users to create lifelike AI videos featuring historical and personal figures. The platform has faced criticism for inappropriate content, including AI videos of King and other public figures.
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OpenAI says it will now let authorized representatives or estate owners request that likenesses not be used in Sora videos. The move adds to a series of safeguards around the tool as debate continues over ethical boundaries in AI-generated media.
