Scarlett Johansson accuses OpenAI of creating a voice similar to hers for chatbot
Background:
Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of creating a voice for the ChatGPT system that closely resembles her own after she declined to voice the chatbot herself. The artificial intelligence company, OpenAI, recently announced the removal of the voice, named ‘Sky,’ following Johansson’s comments.
Clarification from OpenAI:
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, clarified that ‘Sky’s’ voice was not intended to imitate Scarlett Johansson’s voice. According to Altman, the voice actor chosen for ‘Sky’ was selected before any communication with Johansson. However, out of respect for Johansson’s concerns, OpenAI has temporarily halted the use of ‘Sky’s’ voice in their products.
Legal and Creative Concerns:
The incident sheds light on the ongoing debate around the rights of actors’ voices and images in the context of AI-generated content. As technology advances, the boundaries between human and computer-generated content blur, raising questions about creative ownership and authenticity.
Johansson’s Response:
Johansson revealed that she was approached by Sam Altman last year with an offer to voice a ChatGPT system, which she declined. However, she was surprised to discover the striking resemblance between ‘Sky’s’ voice and her own. Johansson expressed shock and disappointment over the perceived similarity.
Public Reaction:
Johansson’s statement garnered attention from the media and her publicist shared it with various news outlets. The actress also mentioned consulting legal counsel regarding the process of creating the voice for ‘Sky.’
Technological Advancements:
OpenAI’s recent reveal of GPT-4o, with advanced audio capabilities for real-time conversations, highlights the progress in AI technology. The ability to engage in more realistic conversations with AI systems marks a significant milestone in artificial intelligence development.
This story emphasizes the importance of consent and transparency in using actors’ voices for AI applications, prompting a broader discussion on ethical considerations in AI innovation.
