OpenAI has announced the public launch of its latest AI video generation tool named Sora, yet it has imposed restrictions on most users regarding the creation of videos featuring human likenesses. This decision arises from the company’s efforts to identify and mitigate potential misuse of the technology.

Premium subscribers of OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT can now utilize Sora to produce videos from written prompts almost instantaneously. Noteworthy examples showcased include amusing clips such as sumo-wrestling bears and a cat drinking coffee, illustrating the tool’s capabilities.

However, access to create human-related content remains limited to a select group of invited testers. This measure is part of OpenAI’s initiatives to tackle issues related to likeness appropriation and the spread of deepfake technology, as indicated in a recent blog entry from the company.

Text-to-video AI applications like Sora are marketed as cost-effective solutions for generating entertainment and promotional videos. However, they also raise significant concerns about the possibility of easily mimicking real individuals in various contexts, including political scenarios.

OpenAI has taken a firm stance against content featuring nudity and has prioritized the elimination of harmful uses, notably child sexual abuse materials and sexually explicit deepfake content. Furthermore, the product launch saw an overwhelming number of users, prompting the company to pause the creation of new accounts temporarily.

On its official page, OpenAI mentioned, “We’re currently experiencing heavy traffic and have temporarily disabled Sora account creation.” The initial reveal of Sora occurred earlier this year, with OpenAI choosing to consult with artists, policymakers, and various stakeholders before rolling out the tool for public use.

Despite facing litigation from several authors and The New York Times over the use of copyrighted text in training ChatGPT, OpenAI has not disclosed the specific video and imagery sources utilized for training Sora. The company continues to navigate the challenges of introducing innovative AI technology while addressing the associated ethical considerations.