Scarlett Johansson accuses OpenAI of unauthorized voice cloning for AI software

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has leveled serious allegations against OpenAI, the prominent artificial intelligence research company, accusing them of using her voice without consent for their latest AI assistant's voice. This controversy has reignited the debate surrounding deepfakes, identity protection, and the ethical boundaries of AI technology.

According to Johansson's statement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had approached her last September, inviting her to voice their upcoming ChatGPT 4.0 system. However, Johansson declined the offer for personal reasons. Surprisingly, when OpenAI unveiled their new AI voice assistant named "Sky" on May 13, it bore an uncanny resemblance to Johansson's distinctive voice from the 2013 film "Her," in which she played a virtual AI named Samantha.

"I was shocked, angered, and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that sounded so eerily similar to mine," Johansson stated. "Mr. Altman even insinuated that the similarity was intentional, tweeting a single word 'her.'"

Johansson's legal team swiftly responded, sending two letters to Altman and OpenAI, demanding an explanation of the process used to create the "Sky" voice. The actress firmly believes that the issue of deepfakes and identity protection is of utmost importance, and she looks forward to a resolution through transparency and the passage of appropriate legislation.

In response, OpenAI stated that Sky's voice was not an imitation of Johansson but belonged to a different actress using her natural voice. However, they declined to reveal the actress's name, citing privacy concerns. This stance has only fueled further speculation and criticism from Johansson's camp.

The controversy has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the ethical use of AI technology, particularly in the realm of voice cloning and deepfakes. While AI companies argue that such technologies have legitimate applications, critics warn of the potential for misuse and the violation of individual privacy and consent.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI acknowledged the controversy surrounding their choice of voice for ChatGPT-40 and addressed the issue in a blog post on Sunday. They emphasized that the voice was not an imitation but belonged to a different actress, without providing further details.

Johansson, who has previously sparred with large companies like Disney over a breach of contract lawsuit in 2021, appears determined to hold OpenAI accountable for their actions. Her full statement detailed her initial encounter with Altman, her refusal to participate, and her shock upon hearing the uncanny similarity between Sky's voice and her own.

As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the need for clear guidelines and regulations surrounding the use of AI technology, particularly when it involves the likeness or intellectual property of individuals without their explicit consent. The case also underscores the importance of transparency and ethical practices in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.