Tech Giant OpenAI Faces Backlash Over Deepfake App
In a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethics of artificial intelligence, tech giant OpenAI has released a new video model and social app called Sora. The platform allows users to generate highly realistic deepfakes of themselves, their friends, and even deceased individuals.
Zelda Williams, daughter of late actor Robin Williams, took to Instagram on Monday to express her dismay at the trend of creating AI-generated videos of her father. "Please, just stop sending me AI videos of Dad," she wrote. "Stop believing I want to see it or that I'll understand. I don't and I won't."
The release of Sora comes as OpenAI's latest foray into the world of generative AI. The app uses a combination of machine learning algorithms and user input to create highly realistic videos, including those featuring deceased individuals.
According to the Student Press Law Center, it is not illegal to libel the deceased, which means that users can generate deepfakes of anyone who has passed away without fear of legal repercussions. However, this raises questions about the ethics of using AI-generated content to manipulate or deceive others.
"It's a waste of time and energy," Zelda Williams said in her Instagram post. "It's not what he would have wanted."
The Sora app is currently only available via invite, but it has already sparked concerns among experts and users alike. "This technology has the potential to be used for both good and ill," said Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading expert on AI ethics. "We need to have a nuanced conversation about how we use this technology and what safeguards are in place to prevent its misuse."
OpenAI has not commented publicly on the backlash surrounding Sora, but the company has stated that it is committed to ensuring that its technology is used responsibly.
The release of Sora marks a significant development in the world of generative AI. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, experts warn that we must be mindful of its potential implications and take steps to prevent its misuse.
Background:
OpenAI has been at the forefront of the AI revolution, developing cutting-edge technologies such as language models and image generators. The company's latest release, Sora, is a social app that allows users to create highly realistic deepfakes of themselves and others.
Context:
The use of AI-generated content raises questions about the ethics of manipulating or deceiving others. As the technology continues to improve, experts warn that we must be mindful of its potential implications and take steps to prevent its misuse.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Crawford emphasized the need for a nuanced conversation about how we use this technology. "We need to consider not just the technical capabilities of AI, but also the social and cultural context in which it is used," she said.
Current Status and Next Developments:
The Sora app is currently only available via invite, but OpenAI has stated that it plans to make it more widely available in the future. As the technology continues to evolve, experts warn that we must be mindful of its potential implications and take steps to prevent its misuse.
In a statement, OpenAI said that it is committed to ensuring that its technology is used responsibly. "We believe that AI has the potential to bring about significant benefits, but we also recognize the need for careful consideration of its limitations and risks," the company said.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
