Scarlett Johansson says she was 'shocked, angered' by ChatGPT ...
Actor Scarlett Johansson revealed that OpenAI utilized a voice similar to hers for their ChatGPT-4o chatbot, even after she had declined their request to use her voice. The announcement by OpenAI stated that they would discontinue using the voice without providing a reason.
OpenAI's Offer to Scarlett Johansson
In a statement shared with NBC News, Scarlett Johansson mentioned an offer she received from Sam Altman in September to voice the ChatGPT 4.0 system. Despite the suggestion that her voice could bridge the gap between tech companies and creatives, Johansson declined the offer for personal reasons. However, she later noticed stark similarities between her voice and the new system named 'Sky'.
Debut of GPT-4o and Controversy
OpenAI recently introduced the GPT-4o, highlighting its voice chat capabilities and futuristic AI features. The 'Sky' voice, which drew comparisons to Johansson's voice, was not intended as an imitation according to OpenAI. Following concerns raised by Johansson and her legal team, OpenAI agreed to remove the 'Sky' voice.
Response from OpenAI and Sam Altman
In a statement, Altman clarified that the 'Sky' voice was not meant to resemble Johansson's voice and was chosen before reaching out to her. He expressed regret over the lack of communication and confirmed the pause in using the voice out of respect for Johansson.
Implications of Voice Imitation Technology
The incident with Scarlett Johansson sheds light on the rapid advancements in voice imitation technology and the challenges it poses in protecting individual identities. Concerns have been raised over the potential misuse of such technology, including celebrity impersonation for malicious purposes.
Industry and Union Response
SAG-AFTRA, a union representing film and television performers, expressed support for Johansson's advocacy for transparency and clarity regarding the use of her voice in the Chat GPT-4o system. The union emphasized the importance of establishing safeguards in the industry to protect individuals from misuse of their likeness.
Conclusion
As discussions around AI ethics and data privacy continue, the incident involving Scarlett Johansson serves as a reminder of the need for clear regulations and accountability in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
