OpenAI has swiftly revised its copyright policy for Sora, a video generation model, following intense backlash. Initially, the company adopted an opt-out approach, allowing copyrighted characters to appear in generated videos unless rightsholders explicitly objected. However, this policy has now been replaced with an opt-in model, requiring explicit permission from creators before their characters can be used.
Under the new policy, copyright holders will have more granular control over how their characters are used in Sora-generated videos. This includes the ability to block or restrict specific uses, content types, or modifications. OpenAI has also announced plans to introduce a revenue-sharing model, which will compensate creators when their intellectual property is featured in user-generated content.
The policy shift comes after Sora-generated videos sparked controversy, particularly with the appearance of characters from popular franchises like Pokémon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Super Mario. Disney has already opted out of allowing its characters to be used in Sora. Other studios are reportedly evaluating their positions.
OpenAI's decision reflects the company's efforts to balance creative freedom with intellectual property rights. The new policy aims to establish a more collaborative ecosystem, acknowledging that many rightsholders are excited about interactive fan fiction but want to dictate the terms of use.
The company's CEO, Sam Altman, emphasized the importance of respecting original content and creators' rights. OpenAI is working closely with studios and media companies to enforce character blocks when requested and is building tools to support these workflows.
This move is seen as a strategic pivot for OpenAI, which has faced criticism for its initial approach to content generation. The introduction of revenue-sharing and more granular controls is expected to set a precedent for the industry, encouraging competitors to adopt similar protections and revenue models.
