OpenAI’s new video generation app Sora has quickly become a sensation, reaching the top of the Apple App Store and setting new records for downloads. Yet its rise is surrounded by major controversies. Users have created AI videos of deceased public figures in disrespectful or absurd scenarios, prompting criticism from families and legal experts concerned about image rights and reputation. The app has also been accused of producing biased depictions, reinforcing gender and racial stereotypes.

OpenAI has paused some portrayals, such as those of Martin Luther King Jr., and promised new moderation tools and opt-out options for estates. Despite these steps, critics argue the company reacts too late, revealing the conflict between innovation, ethics, and control over synthetic media.