Sora Reverses Copyright Policy: OpenAI to Share Revenue and Allow Opt-In Controls for Character IP

OpenAI’s recently launched short-video platform “Sora” has risen to the top of the App Store charts, and its appeal includes AI-generated videos that allow users to upload biometric data, enabling them to see their own “digital doubles” within the generated imagery. According to The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI had previously adopted a “default-inclusion unless declined” licensing approach, which could see content or characters appearing in generated videos unless copyright holders opted out.

In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman published a blog post announcing two major changes: first, more granular copyright controls with an opt-in system so rights holders must grant explicit permission before their characters or content can be used; second, a future revenue-sharing mechanism whereby OpenAI plans to share a portion of earnings with copyright holders when their IP features in user-generated content.

Altman acknowledged that some edge cases may still slip through, but the changes should provide a clearer framework for most scenarios. The article notes the platform is currently available by invitation in the United States and Canada.