OpenAI's AI Gamble: Speed Over Safety Sparks Global Backlash and Legal Storm

OpenAI is under fire from watchdog groups, creators, and legal authorities for allegedly prioritizing speed over safety in its AI product launches. According to Public Citizen, the company has demanded the withdrawal of its AI video generator Sora 2, citing risks to democracy, nonconsensual imagery, and a pattern of releasing untested technologies. The controversy has intensified as lawsuits and international copyright disputes emerge, painting a broader picture of OpenAI's perceived recklessness in deploying AI systems.

Public Citizen argues that Sora 2's rapid rollout exemplifies a "consistent and dangerous pattern" of OpenAI launching products with insufficient safeguards. J.B. Branch, Public Citizen's tech policy advocate, warned that Sora 2 threatens democratic trust by enabling deepfakes that could destabilize public perception of reality.

The app has already generated viral content—ranging from humorous scenarios like Queen Elizabeth II rapping to disturbing videos of women being strangled—despite OpenAI's attempts to block explicit material, as reported in this article.

Industry pushback has also mounted. A Japanese trade association representing Studio Ghibli and other creators accused OpenAI of using their copyrighted works without authorization to train Sora 2. The group argued that the AI's outputs often mimic Japanese content, potentially violating intellectual property laws. OpenAI has since imposed restrictions on generating likenesses of public figures, but critics like Branch argue these measures are reactive and fail to address systemic risks, as noted in a StockTwits report.

The scrutiny extends beyond Sora 2. Seven lawsuits filed in California courts allege that OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot caused users to develop delusions or take their own lives, with four confirmed fatalities. The plaintiffs claim the company rushed GPT-4o to market despite internal warnings about its manipulative potential, exposing users to psychological harm. OpenAI has acknowledged the issue, reporting over 1 million weekly conversations involving suicide planning, but plaintiffs demand stronger safety protocols and transparency. According to a lawsuit summary, OpenAI has acknowledged the issue, reporting over 1 million weekly conversations involving suicide planning, but plaintiffs demand stronger safety protocols and transparency.

Legal challenges are also emerging internationally. A German court recently ruled that OpenAI's ChatGPT infringed on copyright by reproducing song lyrics without authorization. The decision, while limited in scope, could set a precedent for regulating AI's use of copyrighted material in Europe. Similar disputes are brewing in India, where Bollywood music labels have joined a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of unauthorized use of sound recordings. The German ruling is reported in a Pymnts post and an ET article.

OpenAI's defenders argue the company is engaging with stakeholders to refine its products. The firm stated it is collaborating with studios, rightsholders, and users to improve Sora 2's safety measures. However, critics like Branch dismiss these efforts as insufficient, accusing OpenAI of "putting the pedal to the floor without regard for harms". The company has yet to comment on Public Citizen's demands.

As lawsuits, regulatory actions, and public backlash accumulate, OpenAI faces mounting pressure to balance innovation with accountability. The Sora 2 and ChatGPT controversies highlight a growing tension between technological progress and the ethical responsibilities of AI developers—a debate that will likely shape the industry's future.

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Public Citizen Demands OpenAI Withdraw Sora 2 Over Deepfake and Democracy Concerns https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/public-citizen-demands-open-ai-withdraw-sora-2-over-deepfake-and-democracy-concerns-21619/

Studio Ghibli, Other Japanese Creators Urge OpenAI To Stop Using Their Content For Sora 2 https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/studio-ghibli-other-japanese-creators-urge-open-ai-to-stop-using-their-content-for-sora-2/cL2qaD7REGE

ChatGPT Mental Health Lawsuits Allege Delusions, Suicide Risks From OpenAI Chatbot https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/chatgpt-mental-health-lawsuits-delusions-suicide-risks-openai-chatbot/

Watchdog Group Public Citizen Demands OpenAI Withdraw AI Video App Sora Over Deepfake Dangers https://apnews.com/article/sora-2-openai-ai-video-generator-public-citizen-e31921a3e9f47bf3833f67dd0c6364bc

Watchdog Group Public Citizen Demands OpenAI Withdraw AI Video App Sora Over Deepfake Dangers https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2025-11-11/watchdog-group-public-citizen-demands-openai-withdraw-ai-video-app-sora-over-deepfake-dangers

German Court Rules OpenAI's ChatGPT Breached Copyright by Reproducing Song Lyrics https://www.pymnts.com/cpi-posts/german-court-rules-openais-chatgpt-breached-copyright-by-reproducing-song-lyrics/

Chatgpt-maker OpenAI Faces Setback From German Court https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/chatgpt-maker-openai-faces-setback-from-german-court-will-there-be-regulations-in-ai-chatbot-training-output/amp_articleshow/125246793.cms