Sora Shuts Down: OpenAI's Video Tool Goes Dark

OpenAI has pulled the plug on Sora, its AI video generation tool, as of April 26, 2026. The company is replacing it with a new Sora 2 model and app, promising state-of-the-art video creation with enhanced safety features baked in from the start. The transition comes with a revamped approach to preventing misuse, including mandatory C2PA metadata and visible watermarks on all outputs. Users can now upload photos of friends and family to generate videos, but only after confirming they have consent. The new ‘Characters’ feature gives people control over their likeness, including voice, and lets users revoke access anytime. Teens get extra protections: stricter content filters, no unsolicited DMs from adults, and parental controls in ChatGPT. OpenAI says every video will be traceable back to Sora with high accuracy. Why it matters: This pivot shows how AI video tools are racing to solve the trust problem before the technology gets too powerful to police, setting a new standard for consent and transparency in generative media.