Scarlett Johansson 'shocked, angered' by ChatGPT voice that...
Actor Scarlett Johansson expressed her feelings of being “shocked” and “angered” at the unveiling of ChatGPT's voiced artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, which she believes closely resembles her own voice.
In a statement, Johansson revealed that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had approached her previously regarding voicing an AI for the company, a request she had turned down. Despite her refusal, the company proceeded to release a demo of its assistant featuring the “Sky” voice just last week.
Similarity Concerns
Upon hearing the demo, Johansson was taken aback by the striking resemblance, leading her to express disbelief at Altman's decision to pursue a voice so eerily similar to hers that even her close friends and media outlets couldn't differentiate between them.
Days before the demo's release, Altman contacted Johansson's agent, urging her to reconsider. However, before any discussions could take place, the AI system was already out in the public domain.
Legal Action
In response, Johansson took legal action, enlisting the help of legal counsel to demand OpenAI remove the “Sky” voice. The company eventually agreed, albeit with reluctance.
OpenAI's Response
OpenAI issued a statement on Monday, asserting that the “Sky” voice was not intended to mimic the Hollywood star. They emphasized their stance that AI voices should not deliberately imitate a celebrity's distinct voice and clarified that the voice belonged to a different professional actress using her natural speaking voice.
Public Reception
The controversy surrounding the AI assistant's voice also made its way to “Saturday Night Live,” where “Weekend Update” co-host Colin Jost, who is coincidentally Johansson's husband, was compelled to deliver a joke poking fun at his wife due to the situation.
Concerns over deepfakes and AI voice replication have been mounting, with members of Congress and performers like FKA Twigs highlighting the vulnerability and importance of protecting one's identity and artistic work.
Instances of deepfake technology being exploited for malicious purposes, such as impersonating individuals for fraudulent activities, underscore the need for stringent regulations and awareness.
The potential impact of AI on various facets of society, including elections, has prompted discussions and calls for regulatory measures to curb misuse and manipulation.
As debates surrounding AI ethics and individual rights intensify, the need for comprehensive legislation and proactive measures to prevent misuse and protect personal integrity remains a pressing concern.
Overall, Scarlett Johansson's experience with the ChatGPT voice serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges posed by AI technology, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks in its development and deployment.
