Hollywood wins? OpenAI shuts down Sora AI video platform as Disney exits $1B deal

OpenAI has announced the shutdown of its standalone AI video application, Sora, less than two years after its debut, without providing a specific reason for the discontinuation. The company stated it will soon share details regarding timelines and data preservation for the app and its API, suggesting capabilities will be integrated into broader products like ChatGPT.

This abrupt closure coincides with the collapse of a major, previously announced $1 billion partnership with Disney. The deal intended to integrate licensed characters into AI-generated videos distributed on Disney+, but Disney has now exited the investment and collaboration, citing respect for OpenAI's shift in priorities.

The development follows significant backlash from Hollywood regarding Sora's training practices, which used an opt-out model for copyrighted material, drawing criticism over intellectual property rights. While competitors in AI video generation remain active, Sora's shutdown underscores the intense legal and business pressures reshaping the AI development landscape.

(Source：Interesting Engineering)