Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a deepfake
    • ex. It is getting more difficult to tell a real video from a deepfake.
  2. consent
    • ex. Always ask for consent before sharing someone’s personal information.
  3. a watchdog
    • ex. A watchdog told the public that some toys sold this holiday season are not safe for children.
  4. demand
    • ex. A parents’ group demands that the company stop selling toys that are not safe.
  5. crack down on (something)
    • ex. The government wants to crack down on false information shared online.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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A new app, Sora 2, lets people make videos using artificial intelligence (AI). Some videos are funny, like showing famous people doing unusual things. But experts warn about risks. The app can create realistic deepfakes without a person’s consent.

The nonprofit watchdog called Public Citizen has sent a letter to OpenAI. The group demands that the company remove Sora 2 from the public. They say OpenAI released the app too quickly and did not take enough care to protect people’s safety and rights. J.B. Branch, a technology policy expert, said, “People may not trust what they see online.” Public Citizen also sent the letter to the U.S. Congress.

OpenAI has tried to crack down on videos of public figures, including Michael Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr., after complaints. The company is also responding to concerns from Japan. A trade association representing animators and video game makers asked OpenAI to prevent AI from creating famous characters without permission. OpenAI said many fans want to interact with their favorite characters, but it has set rules to respect copyrights.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Deepfakes

  • What do you think of videos or deepfakes of famous people doing funny or unusual things created by Sora? Discuss.
  • Imagine everyone can make realistic videos of other people with the use of Sora. What do you think could happen? Discuss.
  • Imagine that deepfakes are shared on every website, even news sites. How might this change the way people trust information on the internet? Discuss.

Consent and Copyrights

  • What do you think about videos or images created by fans that are against copyright laws? Discuss.
  • What do you think is the importance of asking someone’s consent before using their photo, video, or character in an AI video? Discuss.
  • What would you do if someone or an AI app used your photo, artwork, or work without your consent? Discuss.