Scarlett Johansson's OpenAI clash is just the start of legal wrangles ...
Hollywood star’s claim ChatGPT update used an imitation of her voice highlights tensions over rapidly accelerating technology. When OpenAI’s new voice assistant said it was “doing fantastic” in a launch demo this month, Scarlett Johansson was not.
Debate over Voice Imitation
The Hollywood star said she was “shocked, angered and in disbelief” that the updated version of ChatGPT, which can listen to spoken prompts and respond verbally, had a voice “eerily similar” to hers. One of Johansson’s signature roles was as the voice of a futuristic version of Siri in the 2013 film Her and, for the actor, the similarity was stark.
OpenAI's Response
In a statement, Johansson said Altman had approached her last year to be a voice of ChatGPT and that she had declined for “personal reasons”. OpenAI confirmed this in a blogpost but said she had been approached to be an extra voice for ChatGPT, after five had already been chosen, including the voice that had alarmed Johansson.
The AI and Creative Industries
The relationship between AI and the creative industries is already strained, with authors, artists and music publishers bringing lawsuits over copyright infringement.
Legal Implications
Legal experts believe Scarlett Johansson could have a basis for a case under the “right of publicity” claims that can be brought under state law. The right of publicity protects someone’s name, image, likeness and other distinguishing features of their identity from unauthorised use.
Future of AI and Legal Battles
As the use and competence of generative AI grows, legal battles around it are expected to increase in the future.
