Scarlett Johansson vs. OpenAI: Voice Likeness & Larger AI Ethics
May 26, 2024
Scarlett Johansson, a well-known actress, has voiced concerns over OpenAI's use of a voice that sounds strikingly similar to hers in its ChatGPT assistant, named Sky. This controversy brings to light issues surrounding the use of celebrity likeness in AI and the broader implications for voice cloning technology.
Scarlett Johansson claims that OpenAI used a voice similar to hers for their ChatGPT assistant, Sky, without her consent. Despite her refusal to lend her voice, Johansson alleges that OpenAI proceeded to create a voice eerily reminiscent of her own, prompting her to hire legal counsel and demand transparency from the company. OpenAI, on the other hand, asserts that the voice of Sky was not intended to mimic Johansson’s and was created by a different actress. In response to the controversy, OpenAI has paused the use of Sky’s voice and is in discussions with Johansson’s representatives to resolve the matter.
Technology that uses AI to create a synthetic copy of a person's voice.
AI-generated synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness.
Understanding the ethical and legal implications of AI is crucial for those entering the tech industry. This incident highlights the importance of ethical AI development and the potential consequences of misusing AI technologies. Aspiring tech professionals should be aware of the guidelines and best practices in AI development to avoid similar controversies.
