Technology

Scarlett Johansson Challenges OpenAI Over Unauthorized Use of Her Voice in New AI System

In an unfolding narrative about the tension between tech advances and personal rights, actress Scarlett Johansson has publicly accused OpenAI of using a voice strikingly similar to her own for its new AI offering. The controversy throws a spotlight on issues of voice rights and consent in the age of AI.

Actress Raises Alarm Over AI's Dubious Voice Resemblance

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has come forward with allegations against artificial intelligence company OpenAI, claiming their use of a voice for their ChatGPT AI system that closely resembles hers can mislead and confuse.

In a statement reported by news outlets, Johansson expressed her disbelief and disappointment with the similarity between her voice and that of "Sky," the voice interface for the new ChatGPT AI model from OpenAI, co-founded by CEO Sam Altman. "I was shocked, angered and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that sounded so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference," she stated.

Johansson pinpointed a sequence of events that raised her concerns. Starting from September last year, Altman reached out to her for the potential use of her voice in promoting AI technology. Only days before the public announcement of ChatGPT4.O, Altman approached Johansson again. But Johansson, having considered the proposal for personal reasons, decided not to lend her voice to the AI system.

The actress's involvement with the AI community became a topic of interest due to her portrayal of the AI character Samantha in the film "Her." In the movie, Samantha is an artificially intelligent system that develops a deep connection with the human protagonist. The themes of the film, concerning AI-human interaction and emotional attachment, seem to have discreetly spilled over into this real-life situation.

OpenAI and the Actress: A Contentious Exchange

OpenAI initially came under fire after unveiling their advanced AI voice named "Sky," based on its uncanny resemblance to Johansson's voice from "Her." The coincidental or perhaps intentional naming and timeliness of the tweet by Altman which simply stated "her" on the day of the new AI's announcement stirred further curiosity and speculation.

In her detailed response to the controversy, Johansson laid out her decision to reject Altman's offer and her subsequent surprise upon hearing "Sky." Her statement unveiled that her immediate circle and the broader public had noticed the vocal similarities, raising the question of whether OpenAI bypassed her refusal by replicating her voice without consent.

The reference to Altman's suggestive tweet further aggravated the issue. Johansson's remarks shed light on what seemed like a subtle acknowledgement of the voice's intended resemblance to her own. This delicate insinuation of intent has not gone unnoticed and has potentially broad implications.

To address her grievances, Johansson has engaged legal representation to confront the matter. Her past legal confrontations with large corporations, such as her settlement with Disney over a breach of contract dispute, indicate her no-stranger status to defending her professional interests in legal contexts.

Microsoft, investing in OpenAI, was brought into the controversy by their association. Following the uproar, OpenAI released a statement on its platform, stressing that "Sky's voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson." However, the intricacies surrounding the creation of "Sky" and the refusal to disclose the voice actor involved has not sufficed in quelling doubts.

Johansson's pursuit for transparency is not solely for her satisfaction but also represents a broader concern for protecting one's likeness in an era increasingly influenced by deepfakes and AI. She stresses the need for clarity and potentially for legislation that would shield individual rights from such sophisticated technological exploits.

OpenAI, requested for a response to Johansson's assertions, has not provided any follow-up comments at the time of reporting. This silence on their part leaves many questions unanswered and only time will reveal how they will address the controversy at hand.

Scarlett Johansson's Full Statement on AI Voice Controversy

The full disclosure from Scarlett Johansson is as poignant as it is firm. She recounted her interaction with Sam Altman, who presented her with an ambitious vision. He pictured her voice as comforting to consumers amid the accelerated evolution of human-AI exchanges. Declining Altman's initial offer, she thought the matter settled.

It was not until the general populace began to highlight the striking resemblance between Johansson's voice and the AI named "Sky" that the matter's gravity became apparent to her. This led to an emotional reaction from the actress, who learned about the mimicry along with the rest of the world upon the system's public debut.

Altman's renewed contact just two days before the demo release of ChatGPT 4.0 seems noteworthy to Johansson's case. Before any conclusive discussion could take place, the technology was already being unveiled, leaving Johansson and her team to scramble in response.

Narrating her compelled action to seek legal expertise, Johansson emphasizes the letters sent to Altman and OpenAI, in which she demanded a comprehensive explanation of the process through which the "Sky" voice was produced. OpenAI's eventual concession to remove the "Sky" interface followed what must have been a tense standoff.

Johansson's statement stands as a rally cry for clarity and protection against unauthorized use of personal attributes, pointing to a future where there may be a more significant push towards legal safeguards for individuals against misuse in AI systems.

In-Depth Analysis of OpenAI's Response

Despite the gravity of Johansson's claims, OpenAI insisted on the independence of their creation from any impersonation, attributing "Sky" to a professional voice actor employing their natural speaking voice. As a protective measure for their talent, the company has withheld any identities involved.

The insistence on non-imitation by OpenAI does little to assuage the concerns about ethical practices in voice sampling and the boundaries of AI replication. As the consequences of technology's overreach into personal likenesses become a more significant conversation, the specifics of how voices are chosen and used by AI companies are under heightened scrutiny.

Johansson's expression for a conclusive and transparent resolution alludes to a future where technology companies may need to navigate a more stringent legal framework for protecting individual identities and likenesses against unauthorized replication.

The discussion around AI and the rights of individuals to control their likeness and voice has stepped into the limelight with this incident, and the ramifications are too significant to ignore. The act of engagement with legal mediators by Johansson could set a precedent and signal a resonant drive for legislative action.

Industry Implications and Conclusion

The encounter between Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI presents a potent example of how technology, ethics, and the law intersect in today’s rapidly advancing world. While this case awaits resolution, it may lead to a watershed moment, shaping how voices and personal attributes are harnessed and safeguarded in the realm of AI development.

To learn more about Artificial Intelligence and related controversies, you can explore CNBC’s coverage. Further details on OpenAI's decision to pull the voice dubbed "Sky" can be found here. Additional insights into the announcement of ChatGPT-4o are also available here. Scarlett Johansson's past legal settlement with Disney is documented in this CNBC article.

In closing, the dialogue around AI and personal likeness has been amplified by Johansson's stand against OpenAI. As the world awaits a response, one thing is clear: the evolution of AI will continue to push the boundaries of what is legally and morally acceptable in the use of personal identity. Where the line will ultimately be drawn remains to be seen.

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