The much-discussed video AI “Sora 2” is a lawless zone!? Critical risks to be aware of when using Japanese IP and precautions for usage

This article discusses the copyright issues surrounding Sora2, which have caused considerable controversy.
AI influencer Keito has also issued a renewed warning. Everyone, please refrain from posting content that infringes copyright.

While smartphone app access has begun for those with invitation codes, and everyone is captivated by its astonishing capabilities, significant risks exist when using this tool – particularly concerning Japanese copyright law.

The evolution of AI technology is remarkable, but current Sora2 specifications are now trending on X (formerly Twitter) due to major issues regarding Japanese IP (intellectual property) protection.

1. Japan's IP Content Becomes a “Lawless Zone”

One major risk with Sora is its complete disregard for Japanese domestic IP.

Specifically, simply inputting the name of a famous Japanese character into the prompt allows it to generate the following content effortlessly:

- Nintendo characters (Pokémon, Pikachu, Mario)
- Characters like Luffy from One Piece

The generated characters are almost exact replicas.

Even more astonishingly, the output isn't limited to videos or images; the voices of the actual voice actors for these characters are also generated with remarkable ease. Whether this stems from technological advancements in training data or the near-direct use of existing recordings remains unclear to users, but the output achieves an almost perfect level of fidelity.

2. Complex IP-Combined Videos Are Also Easily Generated

A defining feature of AI video generation tools like Sora2 is their ability to create videos that seamlessly combine multiple copyrighted works.

For instance, it can easily produce videos depicting scenarios that would normally be inconceivable, such as ‘One Piece characters holding a Poké Ball, which they throw to summon Nintendo characters who then play a game on a Mario course.’

This situation has sparked significant controversy on social media, with many stating that ‘Japanese IP is being utterly disregarded.’

3. Significant risk of copyright infringement for use within Japan

Although Sora2 can generate highly realistic videos, users in Japan cannot freely publish them.

Under Japanese law, particularly the Copyright Act, using such content for commercial purposes or sharing it on social media constitutes illegal activity if similarity or dependence is recognised.

Posting to SNS is highly dangerous: Even if created with Sora2, posting to SNS is prohibited. While some have already posted, the author warns that this crosses a line that must not be crossed.

Risk as a complaint-based offence: Copyright law is complaint-based, meaning it's generally safe unless the IP owner files a complaint. However, if challenged, it's clearly an illegal act.

This boundary is one that even legal laypeople can understand as ‘not to be crossed,’ and caution is essential.

4. The Difference in ‘Blocking’ Responses Between Japan and Overseas

Amidst this IP protection situation, there is another fact that leaves users feeling even more complicated.

While Sora2 can generate Japanese characters, it has been reported that characters like Disney or Marvel, even when included in prompts, are ‘blocked and cannot be generated.’

This situation feels like Japan is being taken for granted. On platforms like X, foreign users are seen generating and playing with characters like Pikachu en masse, while Japanese users observing this are visibly angered.

Foreign users' posts are operating under foreign rules. However, if Japanese users in Japan were to do the same, it would constitute illegal activity under Japanese law. Therefore, you must absolutely avoid publishing content simply because others are doing it.

5. OpenAI's “Unfriendly Design”

Why this lawless state has arisen also invites debate regarding OpenAI's stance.

The currently understood process is that OpenAI essentially “approves” copyrighted material within Sora2 by default. If rights holders wish to refuse this approval, they must proactively “send an opt-out notification”.

This constitutes an ‘unfriendly design’ where rights holders of characters, etc., must deliberately monitor OpenAI's Sora2 to set ‘this must not be used as training data,’ and is considered ‘rather unreasonable.’

6. Future Prospects and Safe Usage Methods

Looking ahead, it is anticipated that a solution to this problem may involve introducing a system similar to YouTube's ‘Content ID’ into Sora.

YouTube operates a system that automatically detects when copyrighted material is used, either sending remuneration to the rights holder or enforcing removal. Some view that Sora2 may initially be released as a lawless zone to generate buzz, with litigation risks addressed through financial resources, gradually evolving into a more robust service.

How to safely enjoy Sora2 within Japan at present?

For the time being, when using Sora2 within Japan, it is recommended to adhere to the following points:

- Enjoy it solely within Sora2 (do not press the publish button).
- Use your own face, images with clear copyright permission, or properly authorised faces (such as Sam Altman).
- Limit creations to abstract videos with minimal copyright concerns.
- Do not generate or publish characters on external social media without permission.

Even adhering to these points allows Sora to be a thoroughly enjoyable tool. Let's savour the wave of generative AI evolution without taking significant risks.

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