Sora, the viral video tool from OpenAI[1], lets people turn short recordings of themselves into AI-generated clips. The appeal lies in the Cameo option, which recreates a person’s face and voice with striking realism. While the feature has helped the app gain attention, it also raises concerns about how personal data is handled once it has been uploaded.
Storage of Recordings
OpenAI says it has to store facial images and voice samples in order for Cameo to function. These files are encrypted while being kept on its servers and while being transferred. If users remove a cameo from their account, the company states the material should be cleared within thirty days[2].
At the same time, OpenAI’s broader retention policy gives it room to keep information for longer in some cases, such as security checks, legal reasons, or dispute resolution. This creates uncertainty about exactly how long Sora-specific data stays in the system once someone leaves.
Limits and Safeguards
According to OpenAI[3], the owner of a cameo controls who can access it, and the setting can be changed at any point. While the system is designed to block abusive use, the company admits that harmful clips, including sexual deepfakes, could still occasionally slip through. Despite these risks, many early users have been experimenting with cameos in lighthearted ways, such as parodying well-known figures.
Account Deletion Issues
One of the strongest criticisms h[4]as come from people who tried to leave Sora. Closing a Sora account currently wipes the entire OpenAI profile, which also shuts down ChatGPT access and any connected API use. Re-registering is not possible with the same email address or phone number once the account has been deleted.
This setup links Sora directly to the wider OpenAI ecosystem[5]. For those who only wanted to test the video app, the cost of opting out may feel higher than expected.
Company Response
OpenAI has said it is working on a way for Sora accounts to be removed without affecting ChatGPT or other services. Until that option is available, deleting Sora remains tied to deleting the full OpenAI account. The company points to security requirements as the reason behind the rule.
What It Means for Users
Sora shows how quickly new AI products can raise privacy concerns. The technology relies on sensitive recordings, and while OpenAI has explained its safeguards, its policies leave some grey areas about data retention. Users weighing whether to try Cameo will need to consider how much trust they place in OpenAI’s approach to handling their likeness.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: Meta’s Threads Introduces Communities to Group Conversations Around Interests[6]
References
- ^ the viral video tool from OpenAI (openai.com)
- ^ the company states the material should be cleared within thirty days (openai.com)
- ^ According to OpenAI (openai.com)
- ^ One of the strongest criticisms h (x.com)
- ^ OpenAI ecosystem (help.openai.com)
- ^ Meta’s Threads Introduces Communities to Group Conversations Around Interests (www.digitalinformationworld.com)