Scarlett Johansson has found herself at the center of a new controversy surrounding OpenAI’s latest voice assistant technology. The renowned actor, known for her work in the 2013 film Her, where she voiced a computer program named Samantha, recently discovered that OpenAI’s ChatGPT voice bears a striking resemblance to her own.
Johansson revealed that she was approached by OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, to lend her voice to the ChatGPT 4.0 system. Despite declining the offer, Johansson was shocked to hear a voice in a demo that sounded eerily similar to hers. Altman even attempted to persuade Johansson to reconsider just days before the demo.
In response to the situation, Johansson expressed her concerns about the protection of her likeness and individual rights, especially in a time where deepfakes are a growing concern. She emphasized the importance of clarity and transparency in addressing these issues, calling for appropriate legislation to safeguard personal identities and work.
Following Johansson’s public statement, OpenAI announced that they would temporarily halt the use of the voice known as Sky, which has been compared to Johansson’s voice. The company acknowledged the questions raised about their choice of voices in ChatGPT and assured that they are working to address these concerns.
Despite the controversy, OpenAI clarified that Johansson did not actually provide the voice of Sky, as another actor used their natural speaking voice for the role. Altman had previously hinted at the film Her when unveiling the interactive voice feature, drawing parallels to AI from the movies.
The situation has sparked discussions about the boundaries of voice replication and the implications for individual rights. While some see the resemblance between the voices as a homage to Her, others raise ethical questions about the use of voices without consent. As the debate continues, both Johansson and OpenAI are navigating the delicate terrain of balancing innovation with respect for personal boundaries.
