OpenAI's highly anticipated Sora video generator will not be available to users in the European Union and the United Kingdom at launch, according to a newly published help page on the company's website. The page lists supported regions for Sora "on web and mobile," omitting all EU countries. OpenAI warns that accessing Sora outside the listed territories may result in an account ban or suspension.

This development comes as no surprise, given OpenAI's previous experience with the EU's complex web of data privacy regulations. When the company rolled out its Advanced Voice Mode feature for ChatGPT this summer, EU users were initially left out of the early waves. OpenAI attributed the delay to the "additional external reviews" required by some territories, stating that these reviews are a common practice to ensure features align with local requirements.

The Advanced Voice Mode feature eventually became available to most EU customers in October. However, the regulatory hurdles in the EU have proven to be a challenge for not only OpenAI but also other tech giants, including Meta and Microsoft. These companies have been forced to push back AI product releases in the EU due to the bloc's stringent data privacy regulations.

Meta, in particular, has been vocal about the compliance requirements it sees as onerous. Earlier this year, the company endorsed an open letter calling for "a modern interpretation" of European privacy laws that doesn't "reject [AI] progress." The letter highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to regulating AI, one that promotes innovation while ensuring data protection.

The EU's regulatory environment has been a significant factor in the delayed rollout of AI products. The region's data privacy regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), are designed to protect users' personal data. However, these regulations can be complex and time-consuming to navigate, leading to delays in product launches.

OpenAI's decision to exclude EU and UK users from the initial launch of Sora raises questions about the company's strategy for complying with EU regulations. While the company has not provided a specific timeline for when Sora will become available in these regions, it is likely that OpenAI will need to undergo additional reviews and ensure that its product meets the EU's data privacy requirements.

The implications of this development extend beyond OpenAI, highlighting the challenges that AI companies face in the EU. As the region continues to evolve its regulatory framework, AI companies will need to adapt and find ways to balance innovation with compliance. The delay in Sora's rollout serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between technology, regulation, and innovation in the EU.

We have reached out to OpenAI for comment and will update this piece if we hear back. In the meantime, users in the EU and UK will have to wait to experience the capabilities of Sora, OpenAI's video generator.