OpenAI has banned the creation of deepfake videos featuring Martin Luther King Jr. on its Sora app, following complaints from his estate over disrespectful depictions. The decision comes after users generated racist and offensive content, including videos showing King stealing from grocery stores and perpetuating racial stereotypes. OpenAI acknowledges strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures but believes public figures and their families should control how their likeness is used.
The King estate had requested OpenAI to pause generations depicting Dr. King, and the company has strengthened guardrails for historical figures. OpenAI now allows rights holders to opt-in for their likenesses to be depicted by AI, rather than permitting such portrayals by default. This move is seen as a significant step in addressing AI ethics, consent, and historical respect concerns.
AI ethicists and experts praise OpenAI's move, citing concerns over AI-generated content and its potential impact on historical figures' legacies. The ban highlights tensions between technological advancement and historical respect, sparking debates on AI regulation and digital legacy. OpenAI's decision may set a precedent for how AI companies handle requests from estates and rights holders regarding AI-generated content.
OpenAI's stance emphasizes the importance of control over one's likeness, stating that authorized representatives or estate owners can request that their likeness not be used in Sora cameos. As AI technology continues to evolve, OpenAI's move may pave the way for more nuanced discussions around AI ethics, consent, and the representation of historical figures in AI-generated content.