Scarlett Johansson Accuses OpenAI of Copying Her Voice for AI Assistant "Sky"

Scarlett Johansson is locked in a legal dispute with OpenAI, an AI research company, over its new AI assistant named "Sky." Johansson's legal team alleges that Sky's voice bears an uncanny resemblance to hers, and that it was developed without her permission.

Johansson's Claims: According to Johansson's representatives, they have sent legal letters to OpenAI demanding details on how Sky's voice was created. They argue that the voice sounds strikingly similar to Johansson's, particularly the voice she used in the science fiction film "Her."

OpenAI Denies, Pauses Voice Use: OpenAI strongly refutes these claims. They maintain that a different actress voiced Sky and that there's no connection to Johansson. However, they have chosen to temporarily halt the use of the voice while they address these concerns.

Johansson Reveals Prior Contact: Johansson sheds light on earlier communication with OpenAI. Apparently, nine months ago, OpenAI approached her seeking permission to use her voice for the AI assistant. She ultimately declined their offer.

A Betrayal and Privacy Concerns: Johansson feels betrayed by OpenAI's actions. After she refused their initial offer, they launched Sky with a voice that allegedly mimicked hers. This is particularly concerning to her in the age of deepfakes and the spread of misinformation online.

OpenAI Apologizes for Lack of Communication: In an attempt to address the situation, OpenAI issued a statement acknowledging respect for Johansson and apologizing for the lack of communication. They claim to be using a different actress's voice and have chosen to withhold her identity to protect her privacy.

Johansson Calls for Change: Johansson leverages this incident to advocate for stricter regulations surrounding AI development. She emphasizes the need for transparency and legal safeguards to protect creative works and individual identities in the age of AI.

OpenAI's Future Plans: Despite the controversy, OpenAI plans to introduce a wider range of voices for their AI assistant in the future, catering to diverse user preferences.

The Rise of AI Assistants and Potential Risks: This incident coincides with Google unveiling its own AI assistant, Project Astra. These advancements raise questions about the potential risks associated with AI assistants that possess human-like personalities. Experts warn of the possibility of addiction and emotional attachments forming between users and AI systems.

This news story highlights a growing tension between the creative world and the rapidly developing field of AI. Johansson's case underscores the need for clear guidelines and ethical considerations as AI technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives.