Italy Launches Investigation Into OpenAI's New Video Generation Tool Sora

Italy has launched an investigation into Sora, the latest AI tool developed by OpenAI, the Italian Data Protection Authority announced on Friday.

"Given the possible implications that the 'Sora' service could have on the processing of personal data of users located in the European Union and in particular in Italy, the Authority asked OpenAi to provide a series of clarifications," the watchdog said in a translated statement.

Italy Launches an Investigation into OpenAI

The regulatory body expressed concerns regarding potential implications for data privacy, particularly for users within the European Union, including Italy, prompting the launch of the inquiry.

The investigation seeks clarifications from OpenAI regarding various aspects of the Sora tool, which is currently in a testing phase and inaccessible to the public.

Sora, unveiled by OpenAI in February, boasts the capability to generate lifelike videos based on brief user prompts, with each video lasting up to one minute. Despite its novelty, the tool has prompted scrutiny from regulatory authorities due to its potential impact on data protection regulations, especially within the EU.

The Italian Data Protection Authority has set forth a series of inquiries for OpenAI to address within 20 days. Among the key concerns raised by the regulatory body is the nature of data collected and utilized to train the Sora AI tool, particularly whether it involves personal data and, if so, whether it encompasses sensitive categories such as religious beliefs, political opinions, or health information.

Additionally, the investigation seeks clarification on whether Sora will adhere to European data protection laws upon its potential release within the EU.

Italy's Blocking of ChatGPT

This investigation follows a precedent set by Italian authorities' previous actions against OpenAI. In March 2023, Italian regulators temporarily blocked OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot, citing concerns over compliance with European regulations and a lack of user age verification mechanisms.

OpenAI has been called upon to provide comprehensive information regarding the Sora AI model. The company must clarify various aspects, including the training methods employed for the algorithm, the types of data utilized in its development, and the sources from which such data is sourced.

OpenAI is also expected to detail how Sora's deployment complies with European data protection standards, particularly concerning user notification and data processing legal bases.

"In the event that the service is or will be offered to users located in the EU, the Guarantor has asked the company in particular to indicate whether the methods envisaged for informing users and non-users and the legal bases for the processing of the data provided by those access the service comply with the European Regulation," the watchdog said.