Artificial intelligence takes a new step with the official launch of Sora by OpenAI on December 9, 2024. This technology, capable of generating ultra-realistic videos from simple text descriptionsarouses worldwide enthusiasm.
Yet, French and European users find themselves deprived of this innovation due to regulatory restrictions. The good news? Solutions exist to experience Sora from France.
Why is Sora stuck in Europe?
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAIspoke about the situation on X (formerly Twitter). The company wishes to offer its services in Europe, but comes up against a restrictive regulatory framework.
This decision is not isolated in the artificial intelligence sector. Meta notably postponed the launch of Llama 3 for similar reasons, while Apple postponed the deployment of Apple Intelligence in the European Union until April 2025.
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the DMA (Digital Markets Act) impose strict constraints on technology companies. These regulations, although designed to protect European users, sometimes create situations where innovations are slow to reach the European market.
OpenAI had already encountered this type of situation with the voice mode of ChatGPT, which had experienced a delayed deployment in Europe.
How to access Sora from France?
The solution to bypass geoblocking lies in using a VPN. This method allows you to connect to Sora by tricking the app into thinking you are in an authorized country, such as the United States.
The procedure is relatively simple: just activate a VPN, connect to a US server, then go to sora.com.
However, access to Sora is not limited to just VPN connection. The service requires a paid subscription to ChatGPT. OpenAI offers two plans: ChatGPT Plus at $20 per month and ChatGPT Pro at $200 per month. The Plus version allows you to generate 50 videos per month in 720p with a duration of 5 seconds, while the Pro version offers the same amount of videos, but in 1080p and up to 20 seconds.
Sora’s features and limitations
Once access is unlocked, Sora proves to be a fascinating tool. The generator accepts prompts in French, which makes it easier to use for French speakers.
The creation process is intuitive: simply describe the desired video in the input bar and customize a few video settings. The credits system regulates the generation of videos, thus avoiding server overload.
The platform also incorporates important security measures. Age verification is required upon first registration, as the service is strictly for adults only.
A queuing system allows you to monitor the progress of your generation requests, particularly useful during busy periods. Besides, the official launch was marked by some service interruptions, reflecting the enormous interest generated by this technology.
The quality of the generated videos impresses with their realism, even if limitations remain in terms of duration and resolution depending on the subscription chosen. OpenAI continues to improve its model, suggesting even more spectacular future developments.
- Sora is officially launched, but blocked in Europe for regulatory reasons
- A VPN and a paid ChatGPT subscription are required to access it from France
- The service offers two plans with different limitations in terms of quality and duration of the videos generated
