OpenAI has announced the official launch of Sora, its AI-based video generation model that allows users to create audiovisual content from text, images, and videos. However, this technology, which promises to revolutionize digital content creation, will not initially be available in Spain or other countries in the European Economic Area, putting the region at a disadvantage compared to other markets, according to David Carrero, a cloud infrastructure expert and co-founder of Stackscale (Aire Group).
What is Sora and what does it offer?
Sora is the video generation model presented by OpenAI as a key step toward the simulation and understanding of the real world by artificial intelligences. This model, now available in its enhanced version Sora Turbo, allows the generation of videos up to 20 seconds long in resolutions of up to 1080p. Its main features include:
- Variable resolutions: Videos in widescreen, vertical, or square formats.
- Advanced editing: Integration of tools to extend, mix, and customize generated content.
- Intuitive interface: A storyboard system that facilitates detailed input specification for each frame of the video.
Additionally, Sora offers transparency and security features, such as visible watermarks and C2PA metadata, which allow users to identify the source of the content. These measures aim to prevent abuse, such as the creation of harmful deepfakes, and ensure responsible use of the tool.
Limited availability: a problem for Europe
Despite its transformative potential, Sora will not be available in several key markets, including the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area, where Spain is located. According to OpenAI, this limitation is due to local regulations and the need to refine their risk mitigation policies before a broader release.
David Carrero expressed concern about this exclusion: “Europe is once again at a disadvantage compared to other markets, limiting access for businesses, developers, and content creators to technology that could enhance their global competitiveness. This type of restriction highlights the need for balanced regulation that does not stifle innovation in our region.”
Pricing and subscriptions
Sora is included at no additional cost for users of ChatGPT Plus accounts, with a limit of up to 50 videos per month in 480p resolution. Pro users, on the other hand, have access to higher resolutions, longer video durations, and ten times more generation capacity. OpenAI has also announced that it is working on customized pricing plans tailored to different user profiles, which will be available in 2025.
Advances in security and oversight
To prevent misuse, OpenAI has implemented strict moderation standards, especially for the functionality that allows uploading images of people, which is currently available only as a pilot test for a small group. In addition, sensitive content, such as child abuse material and sexual deepfakes, has been proactively blocked.
The company highlighted that Sora has been rigorously tested by experts in areas such as misinformation and illegal content, whose work has helped fine-tune the model’s safeguards.
Future prospects and challenges
OpenAI plans to expand Sora’s availability in the coming months, although a specific date for its arrival in Europe has not been set. In the meantime, businesses and creators in the region are waiting for access to technology that is already enhancing creativity and productivity in other markets.
As Carrero pointed out, “Technological innovation should have no borders. It is crucial that Europe is not just a passive recipient of these tools but also actively participates in their development and adoption.”
This launch marks an important milestone in digital content generation using artificial intelligence, but it also highlights inequalities in global access to the most advanced technologies.
For more information: Artificial Intelligence News and Sora