The ban came after deepfakes spread online that show Martin Luther King Jr. stealing groceries|David Erickson|CC BY 2.0
OpenAI has stopped users from making AI videos of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. on its Sora app after his estate and daughter Bernice King complained about fake and disrespectful depictions spreading online.
The move came after deepfakes spread online depicting MLK Jr. stealing groceries and playing doorbell pranks along with John F. Kennedy.
Sora has allowed users to create lifelike deepfake videos of many public figures, including Princess Diana, Kurt Cobain and Malcom X, without permission.
OpenAI insists AI-generation of historical figures depicts “strong free speech interests,” but believes that estates should control how a person’s likeness is used.
Critics say the company acted too late and follows a pattern of prioritizing speed over ethics. Legal experts note that deepfake laws differ across states, making enforcement difficult.
Following backlash, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently announced new rules requiring rights holders to opt in before their likenesses can be used.