Scarlett Johansson lawyers up over ChatGPT voice that 'shocked, angered and in disbelief'
Actor Scarlett Johansson expressed her shock and disbelief over the use of a synthetic voice in the latest update to ChatGPT by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The voice, named Sky, was deemed too similar to Johansson's voice, leading to a backlash and comparisons to a fictional voice assistant from the movie "Her." OpenAI has since paused the use of the voice following the controversy.
Legal Actions and Response
Johansson disclosed that Altman had approached her to voice the ChatGPT 4.0 system, an offer she declined for personal reasons. Despite her refusal, the voice resembling hers was released without her consent. After legal intervention, OpenAI agreed to remove the voice from their products.
OpenAI clarified that the voice in question was not derived from Johansson's voice but from another professional actress using her natural speaking voice. Altman reiterated that the voice of Sky was not intended to resemble Johansson's and apologized for the oversight in communication.
Societal Concerns and Criticisms
The controversy surrounding Sky raises broader concerns about biases in technology developed by predominantly White male-led tech companies. It also sheds light on the importance of transparency and legislation to protect individuals' rights amidst advancements in artificial intelligence.
AI Safety and Future Developments
Prior to the voice controversy, OpenAI faced scrutiny over their safety practices and priorities, with a departing employee questioning their commitment to AI safety. OpenAI leaders responded by reaffirming their dedication to safety culture and outlined their approach to long-term AI safety and governance.
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, OpenAI emphasized the need for a rigorous testing process, strong security measures, and harmonizing safety with technological advancements to mitigate risks associated with AI integration.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding the ChatGPT voice demonstrates the complexities of AI development and the importance of ethical considerations in technological innovations. Moving forward, transparency, accountability, and collaboration will be key in addressing the challenges posed by emerging AI technologies.
