In a recent turn of events, actress Scarlett Johansson has come forward to express her disappointment over OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s use of a voice similar to hers for its artificial intelligence voice software. Despite declining Altman’s invitation for the use of her voice, Johansson was shocked to find out that the AI voice dubbed “Sky” sounded remarkably like her voice, especially considering her iconic portrayal of a similar character in the movie “Her.”
Johansson revealed that Altman had approached her last September with the idea of voicing the ChatGPT 4.0 system, claiming that her voice would bridge the gap between tech companies and creatives. However, for personal reasons, Johansson declined the offer. To her surprise, nine months later, the “Sky” voice was released, leading to speculation and controversy surrounding the uncanny resemblance to her voice.
In response to this development, Johansson has hired legal counsel to address the situation. She has written letters to Altman and OpenAI, seeking clarity on the process of creating the AI voice and expressing her concerns about the protection of her likeness and identity in a time of widespread deepfakes and digital manipulation.
Johansson emphasized the importance of transparency in the development of AI technologies and called for appropriate legislation to safeguard individual rights and identities. She highlighted the need for clear guidelines on the use of voice and likeness in AI applications to prevent unauthorized exploitation of individuals’ personal attributes.
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, responded to the controversy by stating that the “Sky” voice was not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belonged to a different professional actress using her natural speaking voice. The company cited privacy concerns as the reason for not disclosing the identity of the voice talent behind “Sky.”
Despite the company’s explanation, Johansson remains firm in her stance and has expressed her desire for a resolution that includes transparency and accountability from OpenAI. She stressed the significance of protecting individual rights in the face of advancing AI technologies and urged for a thorough investigation into the creation of the AI voice that closely resembled her own.
As the story unfolds, the conversation around the ethical use of AI voices and the implications for celebrities and individuals alike continues to grow. Scarlett Johansson’s case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that arise in the intersection of technology, privacy, and personal identity.
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