Scarlett Johansson, famous for her roles in movies like Her, is currently embroiled in a dispute with OpenAI, a tech company accused of mimicking her voice without permission. According to Johansson, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman approached her nine months ago to license her voice for their new ChatGPT voice assistant, a proposal she declined due to personal reasons.
However, just two days before the product’s release, a voice eerily similar to Johansson’s, named Sky, was unveiled. Johansson expressed shock and anger, alleging that Altman went ahead and used her voice despite her explicit refusal. Altman’s tweet hinting at the intentional similarity added fuel to the fire, leading Johansson to question whether individuals truly own their voices.
OpenAI responded by pausing the feature, claiming that the voice belonged to a different actress with a similar tone. Despite this, Johansson insists on transparency regarding the development process. The situation has raised important questions about the ethical use of AI technology and the rights of individuals.
While Johansson’s case may seem minor in the grand scheme of AI advancements, her celebrity status has drawn attention to the issue. If legal action ensues, it will join a list of lawsuits OpenAI is currently facing, including a dispute with Elon Musk over the company’s mission alignment.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the blurred lines between fiction and reality in the realm of AI technology. It highlights the need for ethical considerations and respect for individuals’ rights, whether they are Hollywood stars or everyday users.
