Actress and producer Scarlett Johansson recently spoke out about her experience with OpenAI, shedding light on the vulnerability that people face when it comes to the misuse of technology. During the release of her new film, Fly Me To The Moon, Johansson emphasized the importance of legislation to protect individual rights in the face of advancing AI technology.
Johansson expressed shock and anger after OpenAI allegedly recreated her voice without her consent for their new ChatGPT system. The company’s chief executive, Sam Altman, faced criticism for insinuating that Johansson was the voice behind ‘Sky’ by posting the word “her” on X, referencing a film where she voices an AI character involved in a human-robot love story. Despite being approached by Altman to voice the ChatGPT 4.0 system, Johansson declined due to personal reasons.
In response to the backlash, OpenAI decided to pause the use of the ChatGPT voice, acknowledging concerns about the selection of voices, particularly Sky. Altman clarified that the voice was not intended to be Scarlett Johansson’s, apologizing for any confusion surrounding the issue. This incident raised questions about the ethical use of AI technology and the rights of individuals whose voices or likeness might be replicated without consent.
Actor Channing Tatum, who co-stars with Johansson in Fly Me To The Moon, expressed his concerns about the impact of AI on people’s job security. He highlighted the potential for widespread job loss as AI continues to advance, emphasizing the need for a deeper conversation on the topic.
The controversy surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s voice replication by OpenAI serves as a reminder of the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies. As AI capabilities expand, it becomes crucial to establish clear guidelines and regulations to protect individuals from unauthorized use of their likeness or voice. The intersection of entertainment, technology, and ethics presents complex issues that require careful consideration and dialogue among stakeholders. Johansson’s experience underscores the importance of safeguarding personal rights in an increasingly digital world.
