Scarlett Johansson vs. OpenAI: The Voice Dispute Unveiled
Scarlett Johansson has found herself at the centre of a controversy involving OpenAI’s new ChatGPT voice assistant, Sky, which she claims mimics her voice without consent. This dispute highlights significant issues around AI ethics, intellectual property, and the protection of personal likeness.
Scarlett Johansson expressed her shock and anger over the new ChatGPT voice, Sky, developed by OpenAI. Johansson’s legal team demanded that OpenAI disclose how it developed this voice, which many believe sounds remarkably similar to Johansson’s voice in the 2013 film “Her”. The actress declined an initial offer to license her voice for the AI, only to find out later that a similar voice was used without her consent.
OpenAI’s Response and Voice Development Process
We’ve heard questions about how we chose the voices in ChatGPT, especially Sky. We are working to pause the use of Sky while we address them.
OpenAICEOSam Altman acknowledged the similarity but denied any intentional mimicry of Johansson’s voice. Altman mentioned that the voice for Sky was developed from another actress’s voice. However, the company decided to halt the use of Sky’s voice following the backlash and questions about their selection process.
Broader Implications and Expert Opinions
I can prove Sam Altman and OpenAI did not steal Scarlett Johansson's voice for ChatGPT "Sky".
Watch my video and judge for yourself.
And now, because of unwarranted public backlash and legal action by Johansson, an innocent voice actress lost her job. pic.twitter.com/dUkzLWFanf
The controversy raises broader societal concerns about the potential biases in AI technologies developed predominantly by white male teams. It also underscores the risks of emotional connections formed between users and AI systems. Experts like Visar Berisha from Arizona State University caution that human-like AI voices could foster deep emotional bonds, altering societal interactions significantly.
AI and Legal Safeguards
Johansson used this incident to advocate for stronger legal safeguards around the use of personal likeness in AI technologies. She emphasised the need for transparency and legislation to protect individual rights in the age of deepfakes and AI impersonation.
Previous Incidents and Industry Trends
This isn’t Johansson’s first encounter with AI-related issues. She previously sued another AI company for unauthorised use of her likeness. The entertainment industry has seen a rise in such disputes, as evidenced by SAG-AFTRA union strikes addressing AI cloning concerns. Public figures like Mr. Beast, Tom Hanks, and Elon Musk have also been victims of AI-generated impersonations.
Conclusion
The Scarlett Johansson vs. OpenAI controversy is a significant moment in the ongoing debate about AI ethics and intellectual property. It underscores the urgent need for clear legal frameworks to protect individuals from unauthorised use of their likeness in AI technologies. As AI continues to evolve, these issues will become increasingly critical.
