A new app called Sora 2 has generated 1 million downloads in just five days, using text-to-video generative AI to create deepfakes of historical figures. The tool’s popularity stems from its ability to produce high-quality clips within minutes and allow users to star in their own deepfakes. However, the use of deceased individuals without consent has raised concerns among families and estates.
Some users are sharing videos that depict famous people, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Martin Luther King Jr., in a humorous or provocative light. This has led to backlash from relatives of those depicted, who feel it is disrespecting the late individuals’ legacies.
OpenAI, the company behind Sora 2, has responded by announcing that it will pause generations depicting King, at the request of his estate. The company has not made similar public statements following complaints from other families. It remains unclear how the app’s algorithm rewards shock value and whether OpenAI is liable for the content created on its platform.
The use of AI to create deepfakes of historical figures raises questions about who controls their likeness in the synthetic age. While some argue that it’s a free speech issue, others believe that public figures and their families should have control over how their likenesses are used.
As the debate continues, it’s essential to consider the implications of this technology on our understanding of history and identity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/17/openai-sora-ai-videos-deepfake