OpenAI’s Sora App Enforces Permanent Account Deletion

OpenAI's new Sora 2 app introduces a permanent account deletion feature, marking a significant change in user data management. According to OpenAI's terms of service, once a Sora profile is deleted, all associated data, including conversation history and API usage across ChatGPT and Sora, is permanently erased.

The Sora 2 app has rapidly gained traction online, coinciding with OpenAI's expansion into new products like an AI agent shopping feature with Shopify. The terms specify that once a user's email or phone number is removed, the account cannot be reused. OpenAI has not publicly explained why Sora's deletion rules extend to ChatGPT accounts but is working to separate the two systems.

OpenAI stated its commitment to providing users with clear account management options, indicating plans to allow separate deletion of Sora accounts. However, the current terms of service for Sora 2 emphasize that account deletion is irreversible.

The launch of Sora 2 occurs amid a surge of AI-generated content and avatars online. Initially introduced as a browser-based feature within ChatGPT in February 2024, the standalone Sora 2 app has transitioned access from web to mobile.

While OpenAI works to decouple Sora 2 from ChatGPT, the irreversible deletion policy remains, posing a risk for users who may lose access to both AI-generated content and OpenAI's flagship chatbot if they delete their account by mistake.