Opinion

Sora AI shuts down amid concerns about legality and ethics

Annelyse McMickin, Taliyah Cavanaugh, Caitlin Horan, Parker Davis, Ella Berberian, Valentina Gudino, Emma Haughey, Khylie Inthiratvongsy, Alanna McCormick, and Alexis Westling

April 29, 2026

“Artificial Intelligence – Resembling Human Brain” by deepakiqlect is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

OpenAI owns the artificial intelligence (AI) app ChatGPT and has become one of the largest companies in the AI sector. On Sept. 30, 2025, OpenAI announced the release of Sora, an AI video-generating tool that allows people to create videos of various characters and people. In December 2025, The Walt Disney Company became the first major corporation to license its content to OpenAI, enabling the use of AI generative tools on Disney-produced media. Experts in different industries fear that many AI apps and tools may be taking jobs away from people and also infringing on companies’ copyright laws.

On April 26, 2026, OpenAI officially closed Sora AI after announcing the shutdown in March. The shutdown came amidst various problems with the platform, including expensive production costs. OpenAI earned around $13 billion in revenue but plans to spend $100 billion over the course of four years.

Well-known figures such as Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and singers Taylor Swift and Michael Jackson were among the many celebrities subjected to AI-generated videos using their image in any way a user prompts. While OpenAI has been established since 2015, its use among high schoolers and young adults became most widespread in 2023. OpenAI, specifically ChatGPT and other AI sources, is accessible to anyone, regardless of age. While tools like Sora AI require a paid subscription, it is still easy to access for users who are willing to pay, making AI technology more available than ever before.

In addition to using deepfakes to spread misinformation and gain online attention, deepfakes can also produce non-consensual explicit images of individuals. Sexual exploitation has become increasingly common on online platforms, as many have found ways to manipulate and exploit others by creating non-consensual pornographic images. On generative AI platforms, regulations to prevent images like these from being created are not enforced. These images are not only explicit but harmful to people targeted.

We at The Pony Express believe that while AI does have its place, it can also harm and dehumanize people around the world. We do not publish, use or create in collaboration with any AI tools. When people search on apps like Google, they are immediately presented with AI-generated summaries pulled from hundreds of articles across the internet. This leads to a more surface-level understanding and often the false impression that they are fully informed. The increase in AI use spreads misinformation, which has become more widespread. Misinformation can result in real consequences, such as fake news or scams. These effects are detrimental to our society and The Pony Express as student journalists.

The shutdown of Sora signals a pivotal moment for the future of AI companies and applications. It suggests that AI tools are not immune to public opinion, pressure, and legal challenges. The shutdown may push companies to slow down and implement stricter regulations and safety measures before releasing new technologies. This change could potentially limit innovation and delay progress in creative industries that rely on AI. The shutdown ultimately highlights tensions between AI advancement and the need for oversight in deciding the future of AI in our society.

Generative AI continues to be a prominent part of the everyday lives of many people. AI is not going away, but with more awareness and greater responsibility, its consequences will continue to grow. Many consumers seem to indicate that they are not ready to deal with those consequences.

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About the Contributors

Taliyah Cavanaugh, Sports and Opinion Editor

Taliyah Cavanaugh is a junior and edits the Sports and Opinion sections. She is also a member of the social media team. In her free time, she can be found with her cat, her sister, or watching a sports game with her mom.

Caitlin Horan, Reporter

Caitlin Horan is a sophomore and a first-year reporter at the San Marin Pony Express. She is a reporter and a part of the advertising team within The Pony Express. She is also in the STEM biotech program at San Marin. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, reading, and writing.

Parker Davis, Reporter

Parker Davis is a sophomore and a first-year reporter for the Pony Express. He is also a member of the social media team. He is in the STEAM program and plays soccer and volleyball for San Marin. He also participates in San Marin Music as a Rock Band student. In his spare time, he referees soccer games, plays guitar, and watches sports.

Ella Berberian, Reporter

Ella Berberian is a sophomore reporter and photography team manager. She helps organize and take pictures for the newspaper. Ella does cheerleading for San Marin High School and is involved in multiple clubs. In her free time, she enjoys riding her horse Aria and watching sports.

Valentina Gudino, Chief-Operations Manager

Valentina Gudino is a senior and one of the Chief Operations Managers for the Pony Express. She is a Varsity Cheerleader for competition and sideline cheer. She is also a part of San Marin’s Mock Trial team and Interact Club. Valentina spends most of her time coaching junior golfers on the techniques and etiquette of Golf. In her free time you’ll find her golfing, with her friends, or cheering!

Emma Haughey, Features Editor

Emma Haughey is a sophomore and a first-year reporter on the Pony Express, where she is part of the fundraising and outreach team. She has previously volunteered, been a member of a non-profit, and actively participates in both cross country and track & field. She enjoys spending time with her friends, pets, and family, and being out in nature.

Khylie Inthiratvongsy, Front Page Editor

Khylie Inthiratvongsy is a junior and the front page editor for the Pony Express. She is also the manager for the fundraising and outreach team. She is a Varsity Softball player and part of the STEM engineering program at San Marin. In her free time you’ll catch her reading a book, hanging with friends, or taking a nap.

Alanna McCormick, Reporter

Alanna McCormick is a sophomore and reporter for the San Marin Pony Express. As well as part of the fundraising and outreach team. She enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and seeing her friends. She loves to cook and bake, and wishes she could travel the world. In her free time, you might find her scrolling through Pinterest or finishing her homework.

Alexis Westling, Reporter

Alexis Westling is a sophomore, a first-year reporter, and a member of the website team for the San Marin Pony Express. She is part of a national volleyball team and is in the STEAM pathway at San Marin. When she has spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, crafting, and spending time with friends.