Sam Altman Confirms Sora Will Introduce Opt-In Copyright Controls And Monetisation Features

OpenAI appears to be rethinking its approach to copyright and intellectual property in its latest video creation platform, Sora. Ahead of the app’s recent launch, The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI had informed Hollywood studios and agencies they would need to opt out if they did not want their intellectual property included in Sora-generated videos.

Despite being available by invitation only, Sora quickly reached the top of the App Store charts. Its standout feature, “cameos,” allows users to upload biometric data and feature their digital likeness in AI-generated videos.

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However, users have also been creating videos featuring copyrighted characters, sparking debate about the app’s treatment of intellectual property.

In some user-generated videos, popular characters like Pikachu and SpongeBob even appear alongside AI-generated deepfakes of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, sometimes criticising the company’s own stance on copyright.

Altman Promises ‘Granular’ Opt-In Controls for Rightsholders

In a blog post published on Friday, Sam Altman announced that OpenAI is preparing two key updates to Sora. The first will give copyright holders “more granular control over generation of characters”, using an opt-in model similar to the one already applied to user likenesses.

The emphasis on “opt-in” indicates a reversal of OpenAI’s earlier policy, meaning Sora users will only be able to generate videos with copyrighted characters if permission is explicitly granted by rightsholders.

“We are hearing from a lot of rightsholders who are very excited for this new kind of ‘interactive fan fiction’ and think this new kind of engagement will accrue a lot of value to them, but want the ability to specify how their characters can be used (including not at all),” Altman said.

He also admitted there may still be “some edge cases of generations that get through that shouldn’t.”

OpenAI Eyes Monetisation and Revenue Sharing

Altman’s second update focuses on monetisation, signalling a shift from OpenAI’s initial plan to charge users during high-demand periods. The CEO acknowledged that the company now plans to explore ways to generate revenue from video creation, with the potential to share earnings with copyright owners.

“Our hope is that the new kind of engagement is even more valuable than the revenue share, but of course we … want both to be valuable,” Altman added.

As OpenAI continues refining Sora’s copyright framework and monetisation model, the company faces the challenge of balancing creative innovation with legal and ethical IP protection — a balance the tech world will be watching closely.

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