Scarlett Johansson Accuses OpenAI of Recreating Her Voice Without Consent
Shock and Anger Over AI Voice Recreation
Scarlett Johansson has voiced her outrage after discovering that OpenAI allegedly used a voice strikingly similar to hers for its new ChatGPT system, despite her declining an offer to participate. The actress criticized OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who had approached her to lend her voice to the AI, which she had declined for personal reasons.
The Controversial Release of 'Sky'
OpenAI introduced the voice named 'Sky', which Johansson claims sounds eerily similar to hers. She expressed her disbelief upon hearing the demo, noting that even her close friends and news outlets couldn't distinguish it from her actual voice. Johansson pointed out that Mr. Altman had posted the word "her" on X, seemingly referencing her role in the 2013 film Her, where she voiced an AI.
Initial Offer and Subsequent Allegations
Johansson shared that Altman had suggested her voice could help bridge the gap between tech companies and creatives, making the technological shift more comfortable for consumers. However, after her refusal, the 'Sky' voice was released, prompting Johansson to seek legal counsel.
OpenAI's Response and Actions
OpenAI has paused the use of the 'Sky' voice out of respect for Johansson, despite denying that it was based on her voice. Altman stated that the voice actor for 'Sky' was chosen before any outreach to Johansson. OpenAI emphasized its stance against deepfakes and detailed its process of selecting voice actors from over 400 submissions.
Legal and Industry Reactions
Johansson's legal team demanded transparency about the creation process of the 'Sky' voice. The incident has sparked calls for clearer regulations and protections against unauthorized digital replication. The US screen actor's guild, SAG-AFTRA, has shown support for Johansson, advocating for federal legislation to protect voices and likenesses from unauthorized use.
Wider Implications in the AI Industry
The controversy has broader implications for the AI industry, highlighting the ethical challenges of voice replication and digital likeness. The case echoes the New York Times' lawsuit against OpenAI for allegedly using its articles to train ChatGPT, underlining the ongoing tensions between AI advancements and intellectual property rights.
