Disney characters coming to AI in $1bn deal

OpenAI's Chief Communications Officer, Hannah Wong, has announced her departure from the company, indicating she is moving on to her 'next chapter.' The company will initiate an executive search to find her replacement, as detailed in a memo to staff.

Disney has entered a partnership with OpenAI, investing $1 billion to license over 200 iconic characters for use in the Sora video-making platform. This collaboration aims to integrate AI-generated content into fan interactions, raising concerns about control and creativity in storytelling.

OpenAI has secured a licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company, allowing the use of iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse and Cinderella on its Sora video-making platform, without an upfront payment. This partnership also includes a substantial $1 billion investment from Disney into OpenAI.

Korean AI startup Motif Technologies has introduced its latest model, Motif-2-12.7B-Reasoning, which has achieved remarkable benchmark scores, surpassing even OpenAI's GPT-5.1, according to independent assessments by Artificial Analysis. This development highlights Motif's growing influence in the competitive landscape of generative AI.

OpenAI is facing scrutiny for allegedly concealing full ChatGPT logs in a murder-suicide case, where the estate of Suzanne Eberson Adams is suing the company, claiming its technology contributed to the tragedy. This lawsuit highlights concerns about the accountability of AI technologies in sensitive situations.

Disney has taken a definitive stance in the ongoing rivalry between OpenAI and Google by entering a partnership with OpenAI, investing $1 billion to license over 200 of its iconic characters for use in the Sora video-making platform. This collaboration aims to integrate AI-generated content into fan interactions, marking a significant shift in Disney's approach to artificial intelligence.

Chai Discovery, an AI drug-discovery company supported by OpenAI, has successfully raised $130 million in a Series B funding round to develop a computer-aided design suite for molecules. This funding marks a significant milestone for the company, enhancing its capabilities in drug discovery and development.

Google has removed AI-generated videos featuring Disney characters from YouTube following a cease and desist order issued by Disney, which accused the tech giant of copyright infringement related to its content used in AI technologies.