Scarlett Johansson’s Controversy with OpenAI: A Battle for Control Over AI-Generated Voices
I. Introduction
Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson has sparked a firestorm of controversy over the use of her voice in OpenAI’s latest update to ChatGPT. The synthetic voice, known as Sky, has been accused of sounding eerily similar to Johansson’s, leading to outrage from the actress and raising critical questions about the ethics and transparency of AI voice technology.
II. Background: OpenAI’s Sky and the “Her” Connection
In November 2023, OpenAI released an update to its popular chatbot ChatGPT, introducing Sky, an AI-generated voice designed to enhance the user experience. However, Sky’s overly familiar and flirtatious tone immediately drew comparisons to the fictional AI voice assistant in the 2013 film “Her,” voiced by Johansson.
Critics argued that Sky’s voice bore an uncanny resemblance to Johansson’s, despite the actress’s denial of involvement. The controversy escalated when Johansson revealed that OpenAI had offered her the role of voicing Sky but that she had declined. This disclosure raised questions about the company’s transparency and whether it had misled users.
Scarlett Johansson’s Controversy with OpenAI: Ethical Concerns and Safety Practices
VII. OpenAI Safety Practices
The controversy surrounding Sky has brought to light concerns about OpenAI’s safety culture. A former employee, Miles Brundage, expressed his worries about the company’s lack of preparation for the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI).
OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, acknowledged the need for improvement in safety practices. He stated, “We are committed to building AI that is safe and beneficial to all of humanity.”
In response to these concerns, OpenAI President, Greg Brockman, released a detailed plan outlining the company’s approach to long-term AI safety. The plan includes measures such as:
* Establishing a dedicated safety team
* Developing new tools and techniques for assessing and mitigating AI risks
* Collaborating with external researchers and experts
VIII. Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Sky has highlighted the ethical and transparency issues associated with AI voice technology. Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit and the backlash against Sky have raised questions about the rights of individuals and the responsibility of tech companies to ensure that AI is used responsibly.
OpenAI faces pressure to address these concerns. The company must take steps to improve its safety practices, ensure transparency, and protect individual rights as AI continues to advance. The outcome of this controversy will shape the future of AI voice technology and its impact on our society.