The controversy surrounding the use of Scarlett Johansson’s voice for OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI voice software has sparked a heated debate about the ethics of using someone’s likeness without their consent. Johansson claims that the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, used a voice similar to hers for the AI software, even after she declined his invitation to do so. The situation escalated when the AI voice dubbed “Sky” was released and sounded eerily like Johansson’s voice in the movie “Her.”
Despite declining Altman’s offer to use her voice for the AI, Johansson was shocked to find that the voice of the new AI system, ‘Sky,’ resembled hers closely. She expressed her dismay in a statement, mentioning how alarming it was that Altman would pursue a voice so similar to hers, leading her to believe that the resemblance was intentional. Johansson even hired legal counsel to address the situation and seek clarity on the creation process of the ‘Sky’ voice.
In response to Johansson’s claims, OpenAI defended its decision to use a voice that resembled Johansson’s but insisted that it belonged to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice. The company stated that the voice of ‘Sky’ was not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson and refrained from disclosing the names of the voice talents involved. However, Johansson’s persistence in seeking transparency and clarity regarding the creation process raises concerns about the protection of individual rights and identities in the era of deepfakes and AI technology.
The conflict between Johansson and OpenAI highlights a broader issue concerning the use of celebrity voices and likenesses for AI applications without explicit consent. As advancements in AI technology blur the lines between reality and artificiality, questions about privacy, ownership, and ethical considerations become paramount. Johansson’s call for legislative measures to safeguard individual rights in the face of such technological developments underscores the need for clear guidelines and regulations to protect against unauthorized use of personal identities.
The controversy surrounding the use of Scarlett Johansson’s voice for OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI voice software underscores the complex ethical dilemmas that arise in the intersection of technology, creativity, and personal identity. While OpenAI maintains its position that the voice of ‘Sky’ was not intended to mimic Johansson’s voice, the incident raises important questions about consent, transparency, and accountability in the era of AI. As we navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, it is crucial to prioritize ethical considerations and respect individual rights to ensure a responsible and equitable use of technology.