OpenAI said it will add tighter copyright controls to its Sora 2 video generator and introduce revenue sharing for rightsholders who opt in, with Sam Altman outlining the changes on Friday [slashdot.org#2][techradar.com#4]. The move follows Sora 2's release last week and a wave of user-made clips featuring copyrighted characters from well-known cartoons and games [techxplore.com#1]. In Japan, anime companies have reportedly sought agreements with OpenAI to block their material from the app [techinasia.com#5].
Highlights:
- Rightsholder controls: OpenAI plans more granular control over character generation for rightsholders, building on its likeness opt-in approach [slashdot.org#2][techradar.com#4].
- Revenue sharing: OpenAI will pilot sharing revenue with rightsholders who allow their characters to be generated, with details to be refined and starting soon [slashdot.org#2][techradar.com#4].
- Usage patterns: Altman said users are generating more videos than expected per person, often for small audiences—prompting the need for monetization [slashdot.org#2].
- Early content: Sora 2’s debut sparked hyper‑realistic clips inspired by popular franchises like South Park and Pokémon [techxplore.com#1].
- Japan concerns: Japanese companies have sought agreements with OpenAI to block use of their copyrighted material in Sora [techinasia.com#5].
We are going to try sharing some of this revenue with rightsholders who want their characters generated by users. – Sam Altman
Perspectives:
- OpenAI: OpenAI will add granular character controls and begin sharing revenue with rightsholders who opt in, with the model launching soon. (Slashdot)
- Japanese companies: Some Japanese firms have sought agreements with OpenAI to block use of their copyrighted material in Sora. (Tech in Asia)
- TechRadar analysis: Altman signaled Sora 2 will gain tighter copyright controls and monetization features after only a few days of public use. (TechRadar)
Sources:
- OpenAI offers more copyright control for Sora 2 videos – techxplore.com
- Sam Altman Promises Copyright Holders More Control Over Sora's Character Generation – and Revenue Sharing – slashdot.org
- Pikachu instrumental in OpenAI copyright U-turn on Sora app? – siliconrepublic.com
- Sora 2 is getting tighter copyright controls and monetization features, says OpenAI CEO Sam Altman – techradar.com
- OpenAI’s Sora app raises anime copyright concerns in Japan – techinasia.com
