OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Access After Artists Release Video-Generation Tool in Protest: ‘We Are Not Your PR Puppets’

variety.com:

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor OpenAI granted early access to Sora, its new generative-AI video tool, to some 300 visual artists and filmmakers to “gain feedback” on the technology.

The tech company got it — but not the kind it was hoping for. On Tuesday, a group of Sora testers released a version of the tool publicly alongside a manifesto decrying OpenAI’s program as exploitative and “more about PR and advertisement.” According to the artists’ statement, which was posted on AI development site Hugging Face, OpenAI cut off access to Sora three hours after the group had made it available freely online. “We received access to Sora with the promise to be early testers, red teamers and creative partners.

However, we believe instead we are being lured into ‘art washing’ to tell the world that Sora is a useful tool for artists,” said the open letter, which was addressed “Dear Corporate AI Overlords.” “ARTISTS ARE NOT YOUR UNPAID R&D,” the letter said. “we are not your: free bug testers, PR puppets, training data, validation tokens.” In the wake of the protest, OpenAI said it had suspended access to Sora. “Hundreds of artists in our alpha [testing program] have shaped Sora’s development, helping prioritize new features and safeguards,” OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix said in a statement to the Washington Post. “Participation is voluntary, with no obligation to provide feedback or use the tool.” OpenAI’s statement continued, “We’ve been excited to offer these artists free access and will continue supporting them through grants, events and other programs.