Actress Scarlett Johansson has forcefully criticized the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, alleging that her voice was replicated surreptitiously in the most recent version of ChatGPT, the company’s AI system. In a statement released Monday, Johansson claimed she was “shocked,” “angered,” and in “disbelief” by the revelation.
Voice Offer and Subsequent Development
The “Avengers” star revealed that in September last year, she was approached by Altman with a lucrative proposition. He intended for her to voice the ChatGPT 4.0 system, believing that she could facilitate a smoother transition as AI technology becomes more prevalent in our daily lives.
The actress stated that, despite thoughtful deliberation, she rejected the offer due to personal reasons. However, the AI system’s latest launch included a voice that Johansson and those closest to her believed to be an uncanny reproduction of her own, causing her to employ legal representation.
Legal Contention Amidst Shocking Revelation
The actress discussed her distress by the discovery, forcing her to consult a legal counsel. The controversy deepened following Altman’s enigmatic tweet, “her,” which Johansson and her legal team took as a tacit admission of guilt. After her lawyers demanded how the voice was produced, OpenAI “reluctantly” agreed to remove it, further hardening Johansson’s suspicions.
OpenAI’s Response
In response, Altman swiftly called the cessation a “pause” and insisted that the voice had been unintentionally similar. He held his stance that the voice artist, referred to as “Sky,” was contracted even before Johansson received the offer. In an attempt to soften the blow, Altman apologized for the communication breakdown with the actress and affirmed respecting her concerns.
“We never intended to imitate Johansson’s voice,” Altman stated. “However, we have decided to halt the use of Sky’s voice in our products in honor of Ms. Johansson. Our apologies alight on our poor communication.”
Implications for Data Protections
This incident has highlighted an alarming issue, stirring Johansson to demand stronger legal boundaries for personal sovereignty. Coinciding with the rise of deepfakes, the actress’s case has foregrounded the necessity for better protections of personal identity, likeness, and work in the digital world.
In her statement, she emphasized the urgency of clear legislation in these matters. “These are issues that warrant absolute clarity,” Jahansson said. “I anticipate a resolution, transparency, and the passing of appropriate laws to ensure individual rights’ safeguarding.”
This controversy underscores an ongoing debate concerning AI technology’s penetration into our daily lives. The likelihood of privacy infringement and identity theft fuel the urgency for stringent legislation around these rapidly advancing technologies. Therefore, it’s essential for lawmakers to comprehensively address these multiple digital hazards to provide stronger protections for individuals.