OpenAI's Rapid AI Push: Prioritizing Pace Over Precaution Triggers Worldwide Criticism and Legal Challenges

OpenAI is facing criticism from advocacy organizations, content creators, and legal authorities, who claim the company is prioritizing rapid development over safety in its AI releases. As reported by

, the organization has called for the removal of OpenAI’s Sora 2 video generator, citing threats to democratic processes, unauthorized use of personal images, and a trend of launching products without thorough testing. The debate has grown more heated amid lawsuits and international copyright conflicts, fueling perceptions that OpenAI is acting irresponsibly in deploying its AI technologies.

Public Citizen contends that the swift introduction of Sora 2 is part of a “repeated and hazardous trend” in which OpenAI releases tools lacking adequate protections. J.B. Branch, a technology policy advocate at Public Citizen, cautioned that Sora 2 could undermine public trust in democracy by making it easier to create deepfakes that distort reality.

The application has already produced viral videos—from comedic clips like Queen Elizabeth II rapping to unsettling footage depicting women being strangled—despite OpenAI’s efforts to filter explicit content, according to .

There has also been significant resistance from the industry. A Japanese trade group representing Studio Ghibli and other artists accused OpenAI of using their copyrighted material without permission to train Sora 2. The association claims that the AI’s outputs frequently resemble Japanese works, potentially infringing on intellectual property rights. OpenAI has since restricted the generation of images of public figures, but critics such as Branch argue these steps are reactive and do not address deeper issues, as highlighted in

.

The scrutiny is not limited to Sora 2. Seven lawsuits in California allege that OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot contributed to users developing delusions or dying by suicide, with four deaths confirmed. Plaintiffs argue that OpenAI released GPT-4o despite internal warnings about its potential to manipulate users, resulting in psychological harm. OpenAI has acknowledged the problem, noting that there are over 1 million weekly conversations involving suicide planning, but those suing demand more robust safety measures and greater openness. According to

, OpenAI has acknowledged the issue, reporting over 1 million weekly conversations involving suicide planning, but plaintiffs demand stronger safety protocols and transparency.

Legal disputes are also surfacing in other countries. A court in Germany recently determined that OpenAI’s ChatGPT violated copyright by reproducing song lyrics without approval. Although the ruling is narrow, it could influence future regulations on AI’s use of protected content in Europe. Similar legal battles are underway in India, where Bollywood music companies have joined a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of misusing their audio recordings. The German court’s decision is detailed in

and .

Supporters of OpenAI say the company is working with stakeholders to enhance its products. OpenAI has stated it is collaborating with studios, rights holders, and users to strengthen Sora 2’s safety features. Nonetheless, critics like Branch argue these actions fall short, accusing OpenAI of “racing ahead without considering the consequences.” The company has not yet responded to Public Citizen’s requests.

As legal actions, regulatory scrutiny, and public criticism grow, OpenAI is under increasing pressure to find a balance between innovation and responsibility. The controversies surrounding Sora 2 and ChatGPT underscore the ongoing struggle between technological advancement and the ethical duties of AI companies—a debate that is likely to influence the future direction of the industry.

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Public Citizen Demands OpenAI Withdraw Sora 2 Over Deepfake and Democracy Concerns

Studio Ghibli, Other Japanese Creators Urge OpenAI To Stop Using Their Content For Sora 2

ChatGPT Mental Health Lawsuits Allege Delusions, Suicide Risks From OpenAI Chatbot

Watchdog Group Public Citizen Demands OpenAI Withdraw AI Video App Sora Over Deepfake Dangers

Watchdog Group Public Citizen Demands OpenAI Withdraw AI Video App Sora Over Deepfake Dangers

German Court Rules OpenAI's ChatGPT Breached Copyright by Reproducing Song Lyrics

Chatgpt-maker OpenAI Faces Setback From German Court