A group of individuals has leaked access to Sora, OpenAI's highly anticipated video generator, in protest of what they claim is the company's duplicity and "art washing" in its early access program. The leaked access allows anyone to generate videos using Sora, despite the API not being publicly available.

The group, which remains anonymous, published a project on the AI dev platform Hugging Face, showcasing a frontend that utilizes OpenAI's Sora API endpoint to generate and download videos. The leaked access has sparked controversy, with the group accusing OpenAI of pressuring early testers, including red teamers and creative partners, to promote Sora as a useful tool for artists without providing fair compensation.

According to the group, hundreds of artists have provided unpaid labor through bug testing, feedback, and experimental work for the program, despite OpenAI's $150 billion valuation. The group claims that OpenAI is being deceptive about which Sora-generated videos make their way into the public sphere, with only a select few creators being chosen through a competition to have their Sora-created films screened.

The group's UI allows users to generate 10-second videos up to 1080p resolution, raising concerns about the potential misuse of the technology. The leak has sparked a debate over artist compensation and AI ethics, with many in the tech community calling for greater transparency and accountability from companies like OpenAI.

The controversy surrounding Sora's early access program has also raised questions about the role of AI in the arts. While the group acknowledges the potential benefits of AI technology as a tool for creative expression, they argue that OpenAI's approach has been more focused on PR and advertisement than genuine artistic collaboration.

As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how OpenAI will respond to the leak and the allegations of "art washing" and unfair compensation practices. We have reached out to Hugging Face and OpenAI for comment and will update this piece once we hear back.

The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI technology. As AI continues to transform industries and creative fields, it is essential that companies prioritize ethical practices and fair compensation for the artists and workers involved.

The leak of Sora's access has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of AI in the arts and the need for more open and inclusive approaches to AI development. As the tech community continues to grapple with the implications of AI on creative industries, one thing is clear: the need for transparency, accountability, and fair compensation practices is more pressing than ever.