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Sora, OpenAI's latest artificial intelligence video generation tool, was briefly leaked by artists testing the brand new model, which some creative industries fear could pose a disruptive threat.
A project on developer platform Hugging Face appeared Tuesday to be connected to OpenAI's application programming interface for Sora, allowing others to access the model and create videos using the AI.
Several testers uploaded a letter to the platform accusing OpenAI of exploiting “tons of of artists (who) provide unpaid labor through bug testing, feedback and experimental work” in so-called “redteaming” Sora – a term used for early testing Sora uses AI models. According to a message on the Hugging Face page, OpenAI has blocked early access for artists after several hours.
It illustrates the conflict between the startup behind the leading AI model, recently valued at $150 billion, and the artists who stand to lose probably the most from Sora, which might turn text into video. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other executives courted Hollywood executives this yr to showcase Sora and allay fears that it may lead to job losses in movies.
The letter, which described itself as a “PR puppet,” was geared toward “corporate AI overlords” and accused OpenAI of “artwashing.”
“We are usually not against using AI technology as a tool for the humanities.” . . What we disagree with is the best way this artist program was introduced and the best way the tool is evolving upfront of a possible public release.”
Sora was introduced earlier this yr but hasn't been widely released yet. OpenAI has provided access to only a small variety of visual artists, designers and filmmakers to gather feedback on potential harms, risks and opportunities for improvement.
According to the artists, testers were offered minimal compensation, while some could apply to screen movies created with Sora.
“This early access program appears to be less about creative expression and criticism and more about PR and promoting,” it continues.
The artist and signatory collective confirmed the letter to the Financial Times. TechCrunch first reported the leak.
OpenAI said Sora remains to be in preview mode for research purposes and is working to “balance creativity with robust security measures for broader use.” Early Access has been temporarily suspended.
The company added that participation in its tests is voluntary and “without obligation to supply feedback” – and artists using the tool are required not to reveal sensitive data in the course of the tool's development.
Last month, greater than 11,000 creatives – including actors Julianne Moore and Kevin Bacon, Radiohead singer Thom Yorke and numerous writers and musicians – signed an open letter calling generative AI “a significant, unwarranted threat” to the world the livelihood of creative people.
In a recent discussion on Reddit, OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil said that Sora's wider release had been delayed by the “have to perfect the model,” including in areas similar to security and scaling computing power for the model.