Actress Scarlett Johansson recently accused OpenAI of using a voice for their ChatGPT system that she believed sounded remarkably similar to her own voice. Johansson stated that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had approached her last fall to provide a voice for the AI system, but she declined the offer. However, she later discovered that a voice option named "Sky" for ChatGPT sounded like her, prompting her to express shock and disbelief.
Johansson claimed that Altman even posted an image of her on social media, insinuating a connection to her previous role voicing an AI chat system in a movie. Despite her concerns, OpenAI denied that the "Sky" voice was meant to imitate Johansson's voice, stating that it was created with a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice.
In response to Johansson's accusations, OpenAI agreed to remove the "Sky" voice from their products out of respect for the actress. They also stated that they had cast the voice actor for "Sky" before reaching out to Johansson about providing a voice for the system.
Johansson called for more transparency and legislation to protect individual rights in the face of advancing technologies like AI. She emphasized the importance of addressing issues related to deepfakes and the protection of personal likeness and identity in the digital age.
Overall, the situation between Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when integrating AI technology with human voices and identities. It also underscores the need for clear communication and respect for individual rights in the development and use of such technologies.