OpenAI has decided to halt the use of one of ChatGPT’s voices, Sky, due to its striking resemblance to Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson. The company revealed that it aimed to create distinct voices for its chatbot, with specific characteristics for each, such as timelessness and approachability. However, the Sky voice ended up sounding remarkably similar to the emotive AI assistant in the movie Her, voiced by Johansson.
CEO Sam Altman expressed a desire to use Johansson’s voice for the ChatGPT feature, believing it would be comforting for users. Despite reaching out to Johansson, she declined the offer for personal reasons. When the feature was released, Johansson was surprised to hear the uncanny likeness in the Sky voice.
OpenAI’s CTO, Mira Murati, clarified that the voice actor for Sky was chosen before any contact with Johansson. In response to Johansson’s concerns, Altman apologized and stated that they would pause the use of Sky’s voice. Johansson emphasized the need for transparency and legal safeguards in the industry to protect individual rights, especially for voice actors whose likenesses could be replicated by AI.
The incident raises questions about the implications of AI in creative industries, particularly regarding the use of celebrity voices without their consent. As AI technology advances, the line between authentic human voices and AI-generated ones continues to blur, prompting calls for regulations to safeguard actors and their intellectual property rights. Johansson’s case underscores the importance of legal protections for actors and the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated voices in the entertainment sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
Why did OpenAI decide to halt the use of the Sky voice in ChatGPT?
OpenAI halted the use of the Sky voice due to its striking resemblance to Scarlett Johansson, which raised concerns about likeness rights.
Did OpenAI intend to use Scarlett Johansson's voice for Sky in ChatGPT?
Yes, CEO Sam Altman desired to use Johansson's voice for the feature, believing it would be comforting for users, but she declined the offer.
Who was responsible for the voice actor selection for Sky in ChatGPT?
OpenAI's CTO, Mira Murati, clarified that the voice actor for Sky was chosen before any contact with Scarlett Johansson.
What action did OpenAI take in response to Scarlett Johansson's concerns?
OpenAI apologized for the likeness issue and decided to pause the use of Sky's voice in ChatGPT.
Why is Scarlett Johansson emphasizing the need for transparency and legal safeguards in the industry?
Johansson stresses the importance of protecting individual rights, especially for voice actors whose likenesses could be replicated by AI, and the need for regulations to safeguard actors and their intellectual property rights.
What are the implications of AI in creative industries, according to this incident?
The incident highlights the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated voices in the entertainment sector and the importance of legal protections for actors, as the line between authentic human voices and AI-generated ones continues to blur.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
