OpenAI has recently launched its Sora 2 application, which has gained popularity among users for its ability to create videos of anime characters. However, this release has generated controversy in Japan, where the government has expressed serious concerns about copyright infringement.
OpenAI does not seem to be in the mood
Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Intellectual Property Strategy and Artificial Intelligence, has formally requested OpenAI to prohibit the generation of videos that infringe copyright-protected materials. In a statement, Kiuchi described manga and anime as “irreplaceable treasures” for Japanese culture, highlighting their importance both nationally and internationally.
The Japanese digital minister, Masaaki Taira, has also spoken out, urging OpenAI to voluntarily comply with the government’s request to stop any copyright infringement. This stance reflects a growing consensus in Japan on the need to lead in creating regulations related to artificial intelligence and copyright violations, a critical issue given the cultural impact of the nation in the fields of anime, gaming, and music.
Before the release of Sora 2, OpenAI had contacted various talent agencies and film studios to offer them the option to “opt-out” of having their material used in the training of its models. However, it is still unclear whether any Japanese creators were contacted in this process.
As generative artificial intelligence applications become increasingly prominent, the intervention of the Japanese government highlights the importance of addressing issues of copyright infringement and creative plagiarism. Japanese creators, especially mangakas, put enormous effort into their work, and it is essential to respect the hard creative process behind their art. OpenAI’s response to the Japanese government’s demands is still up in the air.