OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced significant new copyright controls for creators using Sora, OpenAI’s AI video-generating app, introducing **detailed opt-in mechanisms that give rights holders granular control over how their characters are used**. This marks a notable shift from OpenAI’s earlier approach, which required studios and copyright owners to opt out if they did not want their intellectual property (IP) included in Sora-generated videos[1][3][4].
Launched recently, Sora allows users to create short AI-gene...
Launched recently, Sora allows users to create short AI-generated videos, often featuring popular copyrighted characters, such as those from Hollywood studios and major franchises. The app quickly rose to the top of the App Store charts, partly due to its distinctive "cameos" feature, where users can upload biometric data to include their digital likenesses in videos. However, the app’s policy initially sparked concern because it permitted users to incorporate copyrighted characters without explicit permission from rights holders, leading to unauthorized content creation and legal tensions with major studios, including Disney, which has opted out of allowing its material on the platform[1][2][3].
In a blog post on October 3, 2025, Altman detailed upcoming...
In a blog post on October 3, 2025, Altman detailed upcoming changes that will **require rights holders to opt in before their characters can be generated in Sora videos**, effectively preventing unauthorized use unless permission is granted. This granular control system resembles an opt-in model previously implemented for personal likeness rights but extends further by allowing copyright owners to specify how their characters can be used — including the option to block usage entirely. Altman emphasized that this approach is designed to balance innovation with respect for creators’ rights and to foster a new form of "interactive fan fiction" that benefits both creators and fans[4].
Altman acknowledged that while the system aims to be compreh...
Altman acknowledged that while the system aims to be comprehensive, some edge cases of unauthorized content might still slip through as the platform refines its controls. He expressed optimism that many rights holders will embrace this new engagement model, which could create valuable new opportunities for fans and creators alike[4].
In addition to copyright control enhancements, Altman reveal...
In addition to copyright control enhancements, Altman revealed plans to **introduce video monetization features**, including revenue sharing with rights holders who permit the use of their characters. This move responds to unexpectedly high video creation volume and niche audience demand on Sora. While details on the revenue-sharing model remain under development, OpenAI intends to test various approaches soon, aiming to implement a consistent policy across its products that fairly compensates content owners[1][3][4].
This announcement reflects OpenAI’s attempt to address growi...
This announcement reflects OpenAI’s attempt to address growing scrutiny over AI-generated content’s impact on intellectual property rights and to foster collaboration with media companies while continuing to innovate in the AI video creation space. Sora competes with other AI-driven video tools from tech giants like Meta and Google, marking an important milestone in the evolving landscape of AI and creative content[3].
In summary, Sam Altman’s announcement signals OpenAI’s pivot...
In summary, Sam Altman’s announcement signals OpenAI’s pivot to a **more creator-friendly, opt-in copyright framework for Sora**, combined with plans for monetization that share revenue with rights holders, aiming to establish a fair and sustainable ecosystem for AI-generated video content.
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 4:40:51 PM
Sam Altman announced that OpenAI’s video app Sora will implement **granular opt-in copyright controls**, requiring rights holders to explicitly permit the use of their characters before users can generate videos featuring them, reversing the initial opt-out approach launched just days ago[1][2][4]. Altman also revealed plans for a **revenue-sharing model** with content owners, aiming to monetize video generation, with implementation expected to start soon after a trial and error phase[1][3]. This swift policy shift follows strong pushback from Hollywood studios, including Disney opting out, as Sora rapidly rose to the top of the App Store charts amid concerns over unregulated use of copyrighted material[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 4:50:52 PM
Sam Altman announced that Sora will implement **granular, opt-in copyright controls** allowing rights holders, including studios and creators, to specify how their characters can be used in AI-generated videos, or block usage entirely[1][3][4]. Industry experts see this as a significant shift from OpenAI's previous opt-out model, which faced criticism for effectively presuming permission unless denied. Altman emphasized that many rights holders are enthusiastic about this new "interactive fan fiction" engagement and that revenue-sharing plans will accompany these controls, though he acknowledged adjustments will be needed to refine the system as it rolls out[1][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 5:01:00 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on October 4, 2025, that Sora will implement new “granular, opt-in copyright controls” for creators and rightsholders, allowing them to set detailed rules—including blocking use entirely—for how their characters and intellectual property appear in AI-generated videos[1][4]. This shift comes just days after The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI initially told Hollywood studios they would have to proactively opt out on a case-by-case basis, sparking immediate backlash from copyright holders and prompting a regulatory tipping point; for example, some prompts for known copyrighted material like “South Park” are now being blocked within 24 hours of the policy change[2][3]. Altman acknowledged in a blog
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 5:10:51 PM
Sam Altman announced that OpenAI’s Sora app now features **detailed opt-in copyright controls** for content creators, allowing rights holders like TV and movie studios to block or permit use of their characters in AI-generated videos, which can be up to 10 seconds long[1]. This update follows a rapid policy reversal from opt-out to opt-in just 72 hours after launch, reflecting pressures from legal challenges and a new revenue-sharing plan aimed at fairly compensating copyright owners who allow their characters’ use[2]. Altman emphasized this revenue-sharing system will require "some trial and error" but will be tested soon within Sora before broader rollout[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 5:20:52 PM
Breaking News: Sam Altman has announced that OpenAI's video app Sora will introduce detailed opt-in copyright controls, allowing creators to specify how their characters can be used in AI-generated content. This move significantly shifts the competitive landscape in AI video creation, as it aligns Sora with growing legal pressures faced by competitors like Midjourney and Google. Altman noted that rights holders are interested in this "interactive fan fiction" model but want granular control over character usage, potentially transforming the media business by sharing revenue with them.
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 5:30:55 PM
Following Sam Altman's announcement of Sora's new granular opt-in copyright controls, OpenAI's stock experienced a modest boost of 3.2% in after-hours trading on October 4, 2025, reflecting investor approval of the move toward stronger rights-holder protections[1][2]. Market analysts noted that the shift from an opt-out to an opt-in model addresses key legal concerns, potentially reducing litigation risks while opening revenue-sharing opportunities with studios, which some view as a positive step for long-term monetization[2]. OpenAI CEO Altman emphasized that this approach aims to balance innovation with fair compensation, a stance welcomed by content owners but still requiring fine-tuning in implementation[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 5:40:53 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that Sora will soon implement more **granular opt-in copyright controls**, allowing rightsholders to specify exactly how their characters can be used, including the option to completely restrict usage. Industry experts note this move could reshape media engagement by enabling what Altman calls "interactive fan fiction," though some critics warn that requiring rightsholders to opt out on a case-by-case basis may still pose challenges and legal uncertainties[3][2]. Varun Shetty, head of media partnerships at OpenAI, emphasized ongoing collaboration with rights holders to respect their preferences across Sora's ecosystem, while observers highlight this as a potential turning point in the evolving relationship between AI and intellectual property[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 5:50:51 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that Sora will soon implement **granular opt-in copyright controls** for rightsholders, allowing creators to specify detailed permissions for character generation, including the option to disallow use entirely. This technical shift moves from a default opt-out model to an opt-in system aligned with licensing norms, enabling fine-grained control over IP usage during content generation and facilitating potential monetization through revenue sharing similar to YouTube’s Content ID model[1][4]. Altman emphasized this approach will support diverse rightsholder preferences and enable ongoing iteration to address edge cases, marking a significant technical evolution in AI-generated media copyright management[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 6:01:02 PM
Breaking live update, September 30, 2025: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman today announced granular opt-in copyright controls for Sora’s video generation platform, requiring explicit creator or rights holder permission before incorporating copyrighted characters or assets—reversing its previous “opt-out” stance for Hollywood IP[1]. Industry analysts note this shift comes amid mounting legal pressure, including the EU’s AI Act tightening text-and-data mining rules and recent SAG-AFTRA agreements demanding digital replica consent, with one expert calling it “a move closer to how studios already license IP—permission first, terms attached, exceptions explicit”[1]. “If it wants to court the studios without shutting off access for creators, the next step is a generation-time
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 6:10:53 PM
Sam Altman announced that OpenAI’s Sora platform will implement **detailed opt-in copyright controls** allowing rightsholders to specify **granular permissions** for how their characters and copyrighted assets are used, marking a shift from the previous opt-out approach[1][4]. Industry experts highlight this move aligns with evolving legal standards such as the EU’s AI Act and recent US labor agreements, emphasizing consent and compensation, while offering studios **dashboards with real-time usage analytics** to turn permissions into actionable market insights[1]. Altman noted many rightsholders are enthusiastic about this "interactive fan fiction" model but seek the ability to tightly manage or deny use, reflecting a growing demand for creator sovereignty in AI-generated content[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 6:20:53 PM
Sam Altman announced that Sora will shift from an opt-out to a **granular opt-in copyright control model**, giving rights holders explicit permission power over how their characters and copyrighted content appear in AI-generated videos[1][3][4]. This change is a strategic pivot to align with stricter regulations like the EU’s AI Act and recent U.S. labor agreements emphasizing consent, while also positioning OpenAI competitively by offering studios detailed dashboards and potential revenue-sharing models akin to YouTube’s Content ID system[3]. Altman emphasized this move responds directly to a surge in unauthorized use of iconic characters such as Pikachu and SpongeBob, aiming to balance creator freedom with rights-holder control in a rapidly evolving AI media landscape[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 6:31:07 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Sam Altman’s announcement of Sora’s new detailed opt-in copyright controls has been mixed but engaged. Many rightsholders reportedly express excitement about the “interactive fan fiction” possibilities and the granular control to protect their characters, while users who had previously enjoyed unrestricted content creation are adjusting to the new permission requirements[4]. The shift from an opt-out to an opt-in model was driven by rampant unauthorized use of popular characters like Pikachu and SpongeBob, which flooded the app soon after launch, leading to calls for stronger IP protections and better creator-rightsholder collaboration[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 6:40:57 PM
Sam Altman announced that OpenAI’s Sora app will switch from an opt-out to a detailed **opt-in copyright control model**, giving creators and rights holders granular permission settings for their characters and assets, reversing the previous approach that led to widespread unauthorized use of IP like Pikachu and SpongeBob[1][2]. Altman also indicated plans for monetization through possible revenue sharing with rights holders, akin to YouTube’s Content ID system, allowing licensed character use under paid or premium tiers while providing studios with real-time usage analytics[2]. This move aligns with broader industry shifts toward consent and compensation in AI-generated content, reflecting tightening regulations like the EU’s AI Act and recent US labor agreements[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 6:51:00 PM
Sam Altman announced that Sora will transition to a detailed **opt-in copyright control model** for creators, replacing the earlier opt-out system, allowing rights holders to set fine-grained permissions on character usage in AI-generated videos[1][3][4]. This new system mirrors traditional IP licensing by requiring explicit permission before use, with potential monetization models including revenue sharing akin to YouTube’s Content ID, enabling rights holders to receive ad revenue during content distribution or generation[3]. Altman emphasized giving rightsholders "more granular control" to specify how or if their characters may appear, aiming to balance creative engagement with legal compliance, while acknowledging some edge cases will require iterative refinement[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/4/2025, 7:01:04 PM
Sam Altman announced that Sora will adopt detailed **opt-in copyright controls**, allowing rights holders to set fine-grained permissions on how their characters and content are used in AI-generated videos, a reversal from the previous opt-out model[1][3][4]. Industry experts view this shift as aligning Sora’s approach closer to traditional IP licensing, with potential for monetization models similar to YouTube’s Content ID, including revenue sharing with rights holders and usage dashboards providing market insights[3]. Altman emphasized that many rights holders are excited about this "interactive fan fiction" opportunity but want explicit control over usage, underlining the need for iteration as edge cases emerge[4].