The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is booming, sparking new questions about ethics and ownership. Recently, a situation between actress Scarlett Johansson and AI company OpenAI ignited a heated debate.
OpenAI's new powerful AI model, ChatGPT 4o, can hold conversations, understand information, and respond in real time. Some real-life use cases include helping you crack your interview, explaining complex mathematical problems, and aiding in learning a new language.
Sounds impressive, right?
Well, the issue arises because Scarlett Johansson, known for iconic roles like Black Widow, claims the voice used in ChatGPT sounds suspiciously similar to hers, and she never gave permission for it. This has led people on the internet to crack jokes and raise serious questions about AI ethics. Let's dive into the story and see what the buzz is all about.
Why did Scarlett Johansson File a Case on Open AI?
OpenAI recently launched its most powerful AI model, known as ChatGPT 4o. This model can talk with you in real-time with no latency, understand images, explain lessons in real-time, and has many more use cases. Simply put, ChatGPT 4o is one of the best AI models developed so far.
However, Scarlett Johansson, a famous actress, recently took issue with OpenAI. The reason? OpenAI allegedly used a voice in their new AI system, ChatGPT 4o, that sounded very similar to Johansson's. This sparked a debate about AI ethics and the use of a person's voice without their permission.
Johansson claimed that the voice in ChatGPT 4o sounded remarkably like hers. This was a problem because she never gave OpenAI permission to use her voice. Actors have the right to control how their voice and image are used, especially for commercial purposes.
According to reports, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, approached Johansson last September to ask her to provide her voice for ChatGPT's new versions, but she rejected the offer. A few days before the launch of the latest model of ChatGPT 4o, Sam Altman reached out to Scarlett Johansson again, hoping she would reconsider and become the voice of their AI system. However, before she could reply, the new model was launched, leading to mixed opinions about whether the voice actually resembles Johansson's.
Let's get a little deeper into the story
What was the Actual Story Between Open AI and Johansson that led to the Legal Case?
Actress Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, accusing them of using a voice that sounded like hers without permission. Here's the story:
The Invitation and the Demo
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, invited Johansson to lend her voice to their ChatGPT AI assistant. Johansson declined the offer. Despite this, OpenAI went ahead and used a voice for their AI model that Johansson felt sounded eerily similar to hers, especially to her role in the movie "Her." When Johansson heard the demo, she was shocked and upset.
OpenAI's Response
OpenAI claimed they had chosen the voice actor for their voice model Sky long before reaching out to Johansson. They said the voice was not meant to mimic hers and that it was just a coincidence. The company also stated that they had selected a voice actor who fit their criteria of being "warm, engaging, and charismatic," not specifically someone who sounded like Johansson.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Johansson’s legal team argued that using a voice similar to hers without permission violated her rights. This case raises broader issues about how AI can use human-like features and the need for clear laws to protect individuals' rights.
The incident has caused a stir in Hollywood. Many in the entertainment industry are worried about AI using voices and likenesses without consent. This concern isn't new, as there have been previous cases where celebrities sued companies for using voice impersonators without permission, like Bette Midler’s case against Ford Motor Co. in the 1980s.
Current Status of the Story
In response to the backlash, OpenAI paused the use of Sky’s voice in ChatGPT and apologized to Johansson. However, the legal case continues as Johansson seeks to ensure that there are clear rules and protections in place to prevent such issues in the future.
Also, Sam Altman has confirmed that the voice is not Scarlett Johansson, and they never thought of creating a similar voice to hers. He claimed that the actor behind Sky Voice was chosen before any outreach to Ms Johansson.
Here is the Official Message Released by Scarlett Johansson
Hilarious Reactions on the Internet to Scarlett Johansson's Legal Case on Open AI
1. Sounds More like Morgan Freeman To Me
2. Voice Experts Coming in 3..2..1
3. We Gonna Use Your Voice Anyway
4. ChatGPT is just 1000’s of Scarlet Johanson
5. Open AI Is Not Very Open
6. I Want my AI to sound like Darth Vader
7. Trying to Get Scarlett Johansson to Slip Up
8. You took Everything From me
9. We need Grok
10. The Hall of Fame
11. Not even Grand Theft Went That Far
12. No Thank you
13. I am Going To Voice ChatGPT
14. There is Something about her voice
Conclusion
In summary, the internet, of course, had a field day with this situation and has exploded with hilarious reactions to this AI vs. actress showdown. From lighthearted jokes about the voice sounding more like Morgan Freeman to concerns about AI companies potentially using anyone's voice, the debate has people talking. This isn't entirely new, as celebrities have sued companies for similar things before. In response to the backlash, OpenAI paused the use of the voice and apologized to Johansson.
While the legal case continues, one thing's for sure: this incident has sparked important conversations about the future of AI and the rights of individuals in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Did OpenAI intentionally copy Johansson's voice? We may never know for sure, but this case is sure to have a lasting impact on how AI is developed and used.
FAQs
1. What does ChatGPT sound like Scarlett?
ChatGPT's voice, known as "Sky," was accused of sounding like Scarlett Johansson's voice in the movie "Her." OpenAI paused the use of this voice amid legal issues regarding its similarity to Johansson's voice.
2. Which actress declined OpenAI's request to use her voice?
Scarlett Johansson declined OpenAI's request to use her voice for its virtual assistant, ChatGPT. Despite her refusal, OpenAI allegedly used a voice that resembled hers, sparking a legal dispute.
3. What do we lose if ChatGPT sounds like Johansson?
If ChatGPT's voice sounds like Scarlett Johansson without her permission, it raises ethical concerns about using someone's likeness without consent. This could lead to legal repercussions and questions about AI ethics and ownership rights.
4. Who is the biggest owner of OpenAI?
Microsoft holds the largest stake in OpenAI, owning 49% of the company. Other stakeholders own another 49%, while the original OpenAI non-profit foundation retains its autonomy. Other shareholders include a16z, Sequoia, Tigers Global, and Founders Fund.
