Voice Stolen by AI? Scarlett Johansson Sues OpenAI in Groundbreaking Case

Actress Scarlett Johansson claims OpenAI used her voice in an AI tool without consent, fueling discussions on technology ethics. Find out more about this case and its implications for technology and digital rights.

May 24, 2024

  • Scarlett Johansson has threatened legal action against OpenAI, accusing the company of replicating her voice without permission for its AI system.
  • Johansson’s case underscores the need for robust legal frameworks to address AI’s use of human likeness and protect individuals’ rights in the digital era.

Actress Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against OpenAI, claiming that the company inadvertently used her voice for its conversational AI system. The dispute arises from an invitation extended by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to Johansson to provide her voice for the AI system. Despite her initial refusal, OpenAI unveiled a demo featuring a voice that closely resembled Johansson’s role in the film “Her.” 

Johansson was shocked and upset when she heard the demo, stating it sounded very much like her. In response to criticism, OpenAI stopped using the voice known as “Sky.” However, Johansson’s legal action highlights general concerns about AI using human-like features and the necessity of more explicit regulations to protect individuals’ rights.

See more: ChatGPT Leaks Sensitive User Data, OpenAI Suspects Hack

The incident highlights the complexity of AI ethics and the challenges in preventing the unauthorized use of human voices in AI technology. Johansson’s case joins other legal battles against OpenAI, with authors and news organizations filing lawsuits for copyright violations. These incidents highlight how urgently robust legal frameworks are needed to address the ethical and legal issues raised by AI technology.

Johansson’s request for clear rules and transparency is crucial as deepfakes become more common and people worry about protecting their identities. Her story shows the need for clear laws to prevent misuse and protect rights, making AI safe and equitable.

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Pragati Pate
Pragati is an enthusiastic content creator who enjoys experimenting with different technologies. She specializes in creating engaging content on topics like data, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and MarTech. Pragati's writing skills, combined with her love for painting, social work, dancing, and cooking, bring a unique perspective to her work. She is passionate about transforming complex technical information into accessible and captivating content that resonates with her audience.
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