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Weekly #232 The rise of AI slop: When social media turns more artificial

26 September – 3 October 2025

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The rise of AI slop: When social media turns more artificial

Last Thursday, Meta quietly introduced Vibes, a new short-form video feed in the Meta AI app, wholly powered by AI. Rather than spotlighting real creators or grassroots content, the feed is built around synthetic content.

This Tuesday, OpenAI revealed Sora, a companion app centred on AI-created short videos, complete with ‘cameo’ features letting people insert their own faces (with permission) into generative scenes.

From the outside, both Vibes and Sora look like competitive copies of TikTok or Reels — only their entire content pipeline is synthetic.

They are the first dedicated firehoses of what has been officially termed ‘AI slop.’ This phrase, added to the Cambridge Dictionary in July 2025 and defined as ‘content on the internet that is of very low quality, especially when it is created by AI,’ perfectly captures the core concern.

Across the tech world, reactions ranged from bemused to alarmed. Because while launching a new social media product is hardly radical, creating a platform whose entire video ecosystem is synthetic — devoid of human spark — is something else entirely.

Why is it concerning? Because it blurs the line between real and fake, making it hard to trust what you see. It can copy creators’ work without permission and flood feeds with shallow, meaningless videos that grab attention but add little value. Algorithms exploit user preferences, while features like synthetic cameos can be misused for bullying or identity abuse. And then there’s also the fact that AI clips typically lack human stories and emotion, eroding authenticity.

What’s next? Ultimately, this shift to AI-generated content raises a philosophical question: What is the purpose of our shared digital spaces?

As we move forward, perhaps we need to approach this new landscape more thoughtfully — embracing innovation where it serves us, but always making space for the authentic, the original, and the human.

For now, Vibes and Sorra have not yet been rolled out worldwide. Given the tepid response from early adopters, their success is far from guaranteed. Ultimately, their fate hinges entirely on the extent to which people will use them.

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IN OTHER NEWS THIS WEEK

UNGA80 turns spotlight on digital issues and AI governance

In our previous newsletter, published on Friday, we covered all developments at the UNGA80 up to that day. In this edition, we bring you everything that unfolded from Friday through Monday.

On Friday, AI governance, digital cooperation, and the critical issue of child safety in the digital space stood out in the statements. Member states underlined that the transformative potential of AI for development – from the green energy transition to improved public services – is inextricably linked to the urgent need for global governance. Several leaders welcomed the new AI mechanisms established by UNGA, while others called for new frameworks to manage risks, particularly those related to cybercrime, disinformation, and the mental health of youth. A recurring theme was the need to actively address the digital divide through investments in digital infrastructure, skills, and technology transfer, stressing that the benefits of this new era must be shared fairly with all. The discussions reinforced the message that tackling these complex, interconnected challenges requires mature multilateralism and reinforced international cooperation.

On Saturday, several statements highlighted the importance of d harnessing AI and digital technologies for development, security, and inclusive growth. Delegates emphasised responsible AI governance, ethical frameworks, and international norms to manage risks, including in military applications. The need for equitable access to AI, digital literacy, and capacity building for developing countries was highlighted to bridge technological and social divides. Participants also addressed cybersecurity, disinformation, and the influence of global tech corporations, emphasising the importance of multilateral cooperation and human-centric approaches. One echoing message was that leveraging AI and digital innovation responsibly can drive sustainable development, economic autonomy, and long-term prosperity for all.

On Monday, the transformative potential and urgent risks associated with AI continued to be highlighted. While AI can boost development, health, education, and productivity – especially in least developed countries – it must be governed responsibly to prevent inequality, bias, and insecurity. Calls for a global AI framework were echoed in various statements, alongside broader appeals for inclusive digital cooperation, accelerated technology transfer, and investment in infrastructure, literacy, and talent development. Speakers warned that digital disruption is deepening geopolitical divides, with smaller and developing nations demanding a voice in shaping emerging governance regimes. Bridging the digital divide, advancing secure and rights-based technologies, and protecting against cybercrime were framed as essential.

The bigger picture: A comprehensive coverage of UNGA80 can be found on our dedicated web page.

Chips and sovereignty: From globalisation to guarded autonomy

The global race for semiconductor dominance is accelerating, with both the EU and Taiwan asserting tighter control over their technological assets in response to growing US pressure.

EU member states have called for a revised and more assertive EU Chips Act, arguing that Europe must treat semiconductors as a strategic industry on par with aerospace and defence. The signatories — representing all 27 EU economies — warn that while competitors like the US and Asia are rapidly scaling public investment, Europe risks falling behind unless it strengthens its domestic ecosystem across R&D, design, manufacturing, and workforce development.

The proposed ‘second-phase Chips Act’ is built around three strategic objectives:

Prosperity, through a competitive and innovation-led semiconductor economy
Indispensability, by securing key control points in the value chain
Resilience, to guarantee supply for critical sectors during geopolitical shocks.

The EU’s message is clear: Europe intends not just to participate in the semiconductor industry, but to shape it on its own terms, backed by coordinated investment, industrial alliances, and international partnerships that reinforce — rather than dilute — strategic autonomy.

That same theme of sovereignty defines Taiwan’s position.

Amid negotiations with Taiwan, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick floated a proposal that only half of America’s chips should be produced in Taiwan, relocating the other half to the USA, to reduce dependence on a single foreign supplier. But Taiwan’s Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun dismissed the idea outright, stating that such terms were never part of formal talks and would not be accepted.

While Taiwan is willing to deepen commercial ties with the US, it refuses to relinquish control over the advanced semiconductor capabilities that underpin its geopolitical leverage.

The bottom line: The age of supplier nations is over; The age of semiconductor sovereignty has begun. The message is the same on both sides of the Atlantic: chips are too critical to trust to someone else.

From code to court: xAI vs OpenAI and Apple

In the high-stakes arena of AI, a bitter rivalry is now unfolding in courtrooms.

Elon Musk’s AI venture xAI has launched an aggressive new lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of orchestrating a coordinated ‘poaching’ campaign to steal proprietary technology. xAI claims that OpenAI recruiters targeted engineers who then illicitly transferred source code, data-centre playbooks, and training methodologies to further OpenAI’s competitive edge.

According to xAI, key incidents included employees uploading confidential files to personal devices, and repeated AirDrop transfers — behaviour that Musk’s company says amounts to trade secret misappropriation. Their remedy: damages, injunctions, and orders compelling OpenAI to purge models built on the contested materials.

OpenAI, however, fired back. In court filings earlier this week, it asked a judge to dismiss xAI’s claims, calling them part of Musk’s ‘ongoing harassment’ of the company. OpenAI contends that xAI employees are free to leave and be hired elsewhere, and that xAI’s allegations are unsubstantiated.

But the conflict doesn’t stop there.

This August, Musk had accused Apple of colluding with OpenAI to block competition — alleging that Apple disadvantaged the Grok chatbot (developed by xAI) in its App Store rankings precisely to favour OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Apple and OpenAI have responded together this week in court, asking a federal judge to dismiss this separate antitrust-style claim. Their defence is blunt: the agreement between Apple and OpenAI is explicitly non-exclusive, and Apple retains the freedom to work with other AI providers. Further, they argue, xAI has failed to plausibly show how embedding ChatGPT into Apple devices has harmed competition.

What’s behind all this? The ferocious race for talent, technological leadership, and market dominance in AI. We’ll see how it pans out.

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LOOKING AHEAD

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Space Sustainability Forum (SSF-25)

On 7–8 October 2025, the ITU will host the Space Sustainability Forum (SSF-25), gathering experts, regulators, industry leaders, and policy makers to address the long-term health, security and governance of outer space.

Swiss IGF 2025

On 9 October 2025, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and civil society actors will gather at Welle 7 in Bern, in situ and online, for the Swiss Internet Governance Forum 2025.

SEEDIG 10

With the theme ‘A Decade of Dialogue and Cooperation: What’s Next?‘, the anniversary edition of the South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEEDIG) is designed as both a stocktaking exercise and a forward-looking consultation.

READING CORNER

quantum ai data science and cybersecurity

The quantum internet is closer than it seems

Quantum internet is emerging not only as a scientific milestone but as a transformative force that could redefine how governments, healthcare systems, and citizens interact in the digital age.

X-Ray of the UN General Debate: Echo, Gloom, and Hope – Diplo

The annual General Debate at UNGA is the stage where countries outline their strategic priorities, concerns, and proposals. Overall, the sentiment of the General Debate can be distilled into three key words: echo, gloom, and hope.

Japan and OpenAI team up for public sector AI innovation

Japan’s Digital Agency partners with OpenAI to integrate AI into public services, enhancing efficiency and innovation. Gennai, an OpenAI-powered tool, will enable government employees to explore innovative public sector applications, supporting Japan’s modern governance vision.

The collaboration supports Japan’s leadership in the Hiroshima AI Process, backed by the OECD and G7. The framework sets global AI guidelines, ensuring safety, security, and trust while promoting inclusive governance across governments, industry, academia, and civil society in Asia and beyond.

OpenAI is committed to meeting Japan’s rigorous standards and pursuing ISMAP certification to ensure secure and reliable AI use in government operations. The partnership strengthens trust and transparency in AI deployment, aligning with Japan’s national policies.

OpenAI plans to strengthen ties with Japanese authorities, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. The collaboration seeks to integrate AI into society responsibly, prioritising safety, transparency, and global cooperation for sustainable benefits.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

OpenAI’s Sora app raises tension between mission and profit

The US AI company, OpenAI, has entered the social media arena with Sora, a new app offering AI-generated videos in a TikTok-style feed.

The launch has stirred debate among current and former researchers, some praising its technical achievement while others worry it diverges from OpenAI’s nonprofit mission to develop AI for the benefit of humanity.

Researchers have expressed concerns about deepfakes, addictive loops and the ethical risks of AI-driven feeds. OpenAI insists Sora is designed for creativity rather than engagement, highlighting safeguards such as reminders for excessive scrolling and prioritisation of content from known contacts.

The company argues that revenue from consumer apps helps fund advanced AI research, including its pursuit of artificial general intelligence.

A debate that reflects broader tensions within OpenAI: balancing commercial growth with its founding mission. Critics fear the consumer push could dilute its focus, while executives maintain products like ChatGPT and Sora expand public access and provide essential funding.

Regulators are watching closely, questioning whether the company’s for-profit shift undermines its stated commitment to safety and ethical development.

Sora’s future remains uncertain, but its debut marks a significant expansion of AI-powered social platforms. Whether OpenAI can avoid the pitfalls that defined earlier social media models will be a key test of both its mission and its technology.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

How OpenAI designs Sora’s recommendation feed for creativity and safety

OpenAI outlines the core principles behind Sora’s content feed in its Sora Feed Philosophy document. The company states that the feed is designed to spark creativity, foster connections, and maintain a safe user environment.

To achieve these goals, OpenAI says it prioritises creativity over passive consumption. The ranking is steered not simply for engagement, but to encourage active participation. Users can also influence what they see via steerable ranking controls.

Another guiding principle is putting users in control. For instance, parental settings let caretakers turn off feed personalisation or continuous scroll for teen accounts.

OpenAI also emphasises connection. The feed is biassed toward content from people you know or connect with, rather than purely global content, so the experience feels more communal.

In terms of safety and expression, OpenAI embeds guardrails at the content creation level. Because every post is generated within Sora, the system can block disallowed content before it appears.

The feed layers additional filtering, removing or deprioritising harmful or unsafe material (e.g. violent, sexual, hate, self-harm content). At the same time, the design aims not to over-censor, allowing space for genuine expression and experimentation.

On how the feed works, OpenAI says it considers signals like user activity (likes, comments, remixes), location data, ChatGPT history (unless turned off), engagement metrics, and author-level data (e.g. follower counts). Safety signals also weigh in to suppress or filter content flagged as inappropriate.

OpenAI describes the feed as a ‘living, breathing’ system. It expects to update and refine algorithms based on user behaviour and feedback while staying aligned with its founding principles.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Sora 2.0 release reignites debate on intellectual property in AI video

OpenAI has launched Sora 2.0, the latest version of its video generation model, alongside an iOS app available by invitation in the US and Canada. The tool offers advances in physical realism, audio-video synchronisation, and multi-shot storytelling, with built-in safeguards for security and identity control.

The app allows users to create, remix, or appear in clips generated from text or images. A Pro version, web interface, and developer API are expected soon, extending access to the model.

Sora 2.0 has reignited debate over intellectual property. According to The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI has informed studios and talent agencies that their universes could appear in generated clips unless they opt out.

The company defends its approach as an extension of fan creativity, while stressing that real people’s images and voices require prior consent, validated through a verified cameo system.

By combining new creative tools with identity safeguards, OpenAI aims to position Sora 2.0 as a leading platform in the fast-growing market for AI-generated video.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Calls for regulation grow as OpenAI and Meta adjust chatbots for teen mental health

OpenAI and Meta are adjusting how their chatbots handle conversations with teenagers showing signs of distress or asking about suicide. OpenAI plans to launch new parental controls this fall, enabling parents to link accounts, restrict features, and receive alerts if their child appears to be in acute distress.

The company says its chatbots will also route sensitive conversations to more capable models, aiming to improve responses to vulnerable users. The announcement follows a lawsuit alleging that ChatGPT encouraged a California teenager to take his own life earlier this year.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, is also tightening its restrictions. Its chatbots will no longer engage teens on self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, or inappropriate topics, instead redirecting them towards expert resources. Meta already offers parental controls across teen accounts.

The moves come amid growing scrutiny of chatbot safety. A RAND Corporation study found inconsistent responses from ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude when asked about suicide, suggesting the tools require further refinement before being relied upon in high-risk situations.

Lead author Ryan McBain welcomed the updates but called them only incremental. Without safety benchmarks and enforceable standards, he argued, companies remain self-regulating in an area where risks to teenagers are uniquely high.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

OpenAI launches Instant Checkout to enable in-chat purchases

OpenAI has launched Instant Checkout, a feature that lets users make direct purchases within ChatGPT. The initial rollout applies to US Etsy sellers, with Shopify merchants to follow.

The system is powered by the Agentic Commerce Protocol, which OpenAI co-developed with Stripe, and currently supports single-item purchases. Future updates will add multi-item carts and expand to more regions.

According to OpenAI, product results in ChatGPT are organic and ranked for relevance. The e-commerce framework will be open-sourced to accelerate integrations for merchants and developers. Users can pay using cards already on file, and transactions involve explicit confirmation steps, scoped payment tokens, and limited data sharing to build trust.

Michelle Fradin, OpenAI’s product lead for ChatGPT commerce, said the goal is to move beyond information retrieval and support real-world actions. Stripe’s president for technology and business, Will Gaybrick, described the partnership as laying economic infrastructure for AI.

Merchants will pay a small fee on completed purchases, while users are not charged extra and product prices remain unchanged.

Reuters reported that Etsy and Shopify’s stocks rose significantly following the announcement, with Etsy closing up nearly 16 percent and Shopify more than 6 percent. The company plans to extend the system to more merchants and payment types over time.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

OpenAI reports $4.3 billion revenue in first half of 2025

OpenAI posted approximately $4.3 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, according to a report by The Information cited in Cyprus Mail. That figure is roughly 16 percent higher than what the company is said to have earned in 2024.

During the same period, OpenAI reportedly burned around $2.5 billion due to heavy research, development investments, and operational costs tied to ChatGPT. Total R&D spending for H1 2025 is reported to have reached $6.7 billion, and the company held about $17.5 billion in cash and securities at period’s close.

OpenAI is targeting full-year revenue of $13 billion and aims to cap annual cash burn at $8.5 billion. Meanwhile, in August, the company was reportedly in early discussions about a potential stock sale to allow employee access to liquidity and possibly reach a valuation near $500 billion.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Digital on Day 6 of UNGA80: Global AI governance, technology equity, and closing the digital divide

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Welcome to the fifth daily report from the General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA80). Our daily hybrid AI–human reports bring you a concise overview of how world leaders are framing the digital future.

Day 6 discussion centred on the transformative potential and urgent risks of AI, emphasising that while AI can boost development, health, education, and productivity—especially in least developed countries—it must be governed responsibly to prevent inequality, bias, and insecurity. Calls for a global AI framework were echoed in various statements, alongside broader appeals for inclusive digital cooperation, accelerated technology transfer, and investment in infrastructure, literacy, and talent development. Speakers warned that digital disruption is deepening geopolitical divides, with smaller and developing nations demanding a voice in shaping emerging governance regimes. Bridging the digital divide, advancing secure and rights-based technologies, and protecting against cybercrime were framed as essential

To keep the highlights clear and accessible, we leave them in bullet points — capturing the key themes and voices as they emerge.

Artificial intelligence

Responsible AI governance
AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges, and if harnessed responsibly, it can accelerate development, improve health and education, and unlock economic growth. Without clear governance, AI risks deepening inequalities and undermining security. A global framework is called for to ensure AI is ethical, inclusive, and accessible to all nations, enabling it to serve as a force for development rather than division. (Malawi)
AI is a tool that must be harnessed for all humankind, equally in a controlled manner, as opportunities are vast, including for farmers, city planning, and disaster risk management. (President of the General Assembly)
The risks of AI are becoming more prevalent, and age-old biases are being perpetuated by algorithms, as seen in the targeting of women and girls by sexually related deepfakes. (President of the General Assembly)
Discussions on AI lend further prudence to the argument that ‘we are better together,’ and few would be comfortable leaving the benefits or risks of this immense resource in the hands of a few. (President of the General Assembly)
International cooperation remains essential to establishing comprehensive regulations governing the use and development of AI. (Timor-Leste)

AI for development and growth

The transformative potential of science, technology, and AI, should be harnessed for national and global development. Malawi is optimistic that AI will usher in a new era of enhanced productivity for its citizens, helping to propel the country’s development trajectory. (Malawi)
Advancing AI and digital capabilities in LDCs is imperative, requiring investment in digital infrastructure and enhancing digital literacy, implementing e-government initiatives, promoting AI research and innovation, cultivating talent and establishing a policy framework. (Timor-Leste)
Making AI a technology that benefits all is an important issue agreed upon in the Global Digital Compact, which also covers peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, and digital cooperation. (Djibouti)
Canada emphasised national strength in AI, clean technologies, critical minerals and digital innovation. (Canada)

Global digital governance

Nepal advocates for a global digital cooperation framework that ensures access to infrastructures, digital literacy, and data protection for all. (Nepal)
Digital transformation and digital and technological disruption are converging with other crises, such as climate catastrophe and widening inequality. (Malawi, Nepal, Holy See) Digital transformation demands renewed collective action. A renewed collective resolve to fortify the founding values of the UN, and a revitalised, transformed UN are needed. (Malawi, Nepal, Holy See)

Digital technologies and development

Addressing the digital divide and inequality

Rapid technological, geopolitical, and environmental shifts are ushering in a new, multipolar global order that offers both opportunities and risks, and insisted that smaller states must not be sidelined but fully heard in shaping it. (Benin)
The development gap has expanded between the North and the South despite technological revolutions. (Algeria)
Digital transformations deserve urgent global attention, and technology must be inclusive, secure, and rights-based. (Nepal)
It is crucial to narrow the digital divide within and among countries to create a peaceful and equitable society. (Nepal)
Policies and programmes for technologies and progress should be within the reach of everyone for the good of everyone. (Nicaragua)

Technology transfer

The gap between rich and poor nations continues to widen, and developing countries struggle with limited technology transfer and low productivity. (Malawi)
The full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement should include ensuring equitable access to sustainable technologies. (Malawi)
The international community is called upon to foster an environment that supports inclusive growth and harnesses the transformative potential of science and technology, and AI. (Malawi)
A comprehensive and inclusive approach is needed to address the pressing challenges in the Mediterranean, making economic development on the Southern Front a shared priority through investment and technology transfer. (Algeria)
Technology transfer must be accelerated and scaled up, with calls for scaled-up, predictable and accessible technology transfer and capacity building for countries on the front line, particularly LDCs. (Nepal)

Cybersecurity

Safeguarding cybersecurity is imperative alongside the advancement of AI and digital capabilities in LDCs. (Timor-Leste)
Russia has sought to undermine Moldova’s sovereignty through illicit financing, disinformation, cyberattacks, and voter intimidation. (Moldova)

For other topics discussed, head over to our dedicated UNGA80 page, where you can explore more insights from the General Debate.

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80)

The General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly brings together high-level representatives from across the globe to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. The session took place against the backdrop of the UN’s 80th anniversary, serving as a moment for both reflection and a forward-looking assessment of the organisation’s role and relevance.

California enacts first state-level AI safety law

In the US, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 53, a landmark law establishing transparency and safety requirements for large AI companies.

The legislation obliges major AI developers such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google DeepMind to disclose their safety protocols. It also introduces whistle-blower protections and a reporting mechanism for safety incidents, including cyberattacks and autonomous AI behaviour not covered by the EU AI Act.

Reactions across the industry have been mixed. Anthropic supported the law, while Meta and OpenAI lobbied against it, with OpenAI publishing an open letter urging Newsom not to sign. Tech firms have warned that state-level measures could create a patchwork of regulation that stifles innovation.

Despite resistance, the law positions California as a national leader in AI governance. Newsom said the state had demonstrated that it was possible to safeguard communities without stifling growth, calling AI ‘the new frontier in innovation’.

Similar legislation is under consideration in New York, while California lawmakers are also debating SB 243, a separate bill that would regulate AI companion chatbots.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!