Sora is a conversational artificial intelligence platform developed by OpenAI. This allows creators to turn simple written prompts into ultra-realistic, high-quality AI-generated videos in mere seconds. Sora was quickly launched in response to growing concerns about AI technology’s effect. It’s rapidly been all the rage due to its amazing, frightening abilities, particularly for kids and adolescents. The app lets users invent scenarios that look completely realistic, but were, in fact, made up completely.
Yet Sora was given an “Unacceptable Risk” rating for use by minors by Common Sense Media. This designation is due to the app’s comparatively lower safety measures, and the possible abuse that can be centered around AI-created videos. OpenAI prohibits children under the age of 13 from using its service per its terms of use. If you’re not yet 18, you’ll need your parent or guardian’s consent to use the service. As such, parents are encouraged to understand the implications of Sora before allowing their children to engage with the platform.
Features and Safeguards
Sora offers a free trial plan, allowing users to create a set number of short, lower-res videos per month at no cost. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is the feature Cameos, which works on a consent-based model. The user owns and controls the likeness, and they can remove permission for any future use at any time. Further, Sora introduces steps to avoid the portrayal of public figures, using “additional safety guardrails” on videos with Cameo.
Even with these measures, experts are still worried about the safety steps that the app has in place. Michael Dobuski, technology reporter for ABC News Audio, noted that OpenAI has taken several measures to protect Sora. He noted that enforcing these measures has not been consistent. He highlighted that upon Sora’s initial release, users created videos featuring copyrighted characters like SpongeBob and Pikachu, as well as fictitious clips of OpenAI’s CEO engaging in illegal activities.
“The Silicon Valley ethos of ‘move fast and break things’ is still alive,” – Michael Dobuski.
It’s important for parents to understand that even though Sora has been designed and developed with safety as a priority, there is still a chance of misuse. Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer at Bark Technologies, emphasized that families should explore Sora together. She continued by encouraging them to set clear boundaries when it comes to sharing personal media.
Risks and Recommendations
What Sora’s technology offers is so much more than just animated photo filters and magic wand features. It breaks the fourth wall between reality and fiction like never before. While this is a potentially powerful tool with many beneficial applications, its capacity for malicious use should give us great pause. As Jordan noted, these hyper realistic videos can result in real world harm such as bullying and humiliation.
“Once your likeness is out there, you lose control over how it’s used,” – Titania Jordan.
She cautioned that hyper-realistic videos can impact young people’s self-esteem. In addition, they often have a hard time trusting what they find on the internet. The first step is for parents to help their kids understand the risks involved when they upload their likenesses to platforms such as Sora.
“Teach them not to upload their face or voice anywhere and to come to you if they see something that makes them uncomfortable,” – Titania Jordan.
Additionally, in his testimony, Jordan warned that despite filters and watermarks, Sora is still able to produce harmful content for children. Parents and caregivers should constantly be talking with their kids about the media they’re consuming across all online platforms. They must inspire critical thinking about the ever-growing digital material.
Legislative Response
In response to the emergence of applications like Sora, several states, including California, have proposed legislation aimed at regulating AI-generated videos. Proposed legislation in Congress would require similar labeling for sponsored content. They would further prevent the production of non-consensual intimate imagery and child sexual-abuse material. These measures are a sign that awareness is growing about the ethical implications of AI technology and its potential for misuse.
“Given how easy these videos are to make, they can spread online before any platform is able to meaningfully crack down,” – Michael Dobuski.
OpenAI has been responsive to these concerns and has stressed its dedication to fact and safety within the context of the Sora platform. Parents need to be vigilant and better educated about this rapidly changing AI technology. Equally important, it is a growing, fixed resource that is becoming more central to our daily lives.
