The actress expresses shock over the AI’s voice similarity to hers, sparking discussions on legal implications and ethics in AI technology.
Scarlett Johansson has raised concerns over OpenAI’s ChatGPT update, which she claims features a voice “eerily similar” to hers. Johansson, known for voicing a futuristic AI in the 2013 film “Her,” expressed shock and disbelief over the resemblance to her own voice. OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the similarity to the film with a one-word post on X: “her.”
Johansson revealed that Altman had approached her twice, once last year and again days prior to the May 13 launch, to be a voice for ChatGPT. She declined both offers for personal reasons. OpenAI has since suspended the use of the voice, named Sky, asserting it was the voice of a different actress, not Johansson.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between AI technology and the creative industries. Legal experts suggest Johansson could potentially have a case under the “right of publicity” laws, which protect against unauthorized use of a person’s name, image, and voice. This case highlights the growing legal complexities as AI continues to advance.
