Japanese broadcasters protest Sora 2 copyright infringement
Japanese broadcasters representing 207 member companies issued a statement on 26 November 2025 protesting that OpenAI's Sora 2 video generation system has created videos closely resembling copyrighted anime and other content owned by member broadcasters, allegedly without authorization. The broadcasters requested OpenAI and other generative AI developers halt unauthorized use of their content for training and delete generated videos already circulating online.
What happened
OpenAI's video generation AI Sora 2, released in late September 2025, has generated videos of existing anime characters and content that closely resemble copyrighted works owned by Japanese broadcasters.
The videos have been distributed on the internet. The Japan Association of Private Broadcasters (representing 207 member broadcast operators) stated that the generated content appears to result from the AI learning from member companies' content without authorization.
Reported impact
The broadcasters stated that such AI learning and output of similar content constitutes copyright infringement and can lead to brand damage and defamation under civil law.
The broadcasters also raised concerns about deepfake news videos generated to resemble news programs, warning these could cause public confusion and distort judgment.
Index analysis
The broadcasters requested that OpenAI and other generative AI developers implement measures to prevent unauthorized use of member company content in AI training and to delete already-generated videos in circulation.
Governance controls
The broadcasters requested that developers respond seriously to copyright infringement claims filed by member companies.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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