OpenAI's Sora Tops App Store, Tightens Copyright Controls

OpenAI’s invite-only Sora app, powered by the new Sora 2 video model, launched Sept. 30 and quickly topped Apple’s App Store as users created short AI videos in a TikTok‑like feed and clone apps proliferated. The platform was flooded with clips featuring copyrighted characters—especially Japanese franchises like Pokémon and Mario—and nonconsensual deepfakes, which drew warnings from rights holders and lawmakers, notably Nintendo. Critics flagged OpenAI’s initial opt‑out approach to copyrighted material and limits on blanket exclusions, and OpenAI says it had notified some studios before launch and has accepted takedown requests. CEO Sam Altman announced policy changes giving rights holders more granular, opt‑in‑style controls (including character blocks and options for revenue sharing) and said OpenAI will tighten safety guardrails. OpenAI has also added user-facing cameo controls and a clearer watermark to curb deepfakes and said it will continue iterating on moderation, monetization tests and model safety amid ongoing legal scrutiny.