Scarlett Johansson told OpenAI not to use her voice — and it did anyway

By alexandreTech

Scarlett Johansson told OpenAI not to use her voice — and it did anyway

Earlier this year, OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research lab, unveiled a new version of its AI model, GPT-3. One of the features of GPT-3 is the ability to generate text in the style of a specific voice, including that of various celebrities.

However, when it came to Scarlett Johansson’s voice, things took an unexpected turn. The Hollywood actress reportedly told OpenAI not to use her voice for any AI-generated content, but the organization did so anyway.

Scarlett Johansson’s Concerns

Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in movies like “Lost in Translation” and “The Avengers,” expressed concerns about the potential misuse of her voice in AI-generated content. She was worried that her voice could be used without her consent or to spread misinformation.

The actress has been a vocal advocate for privacy rights and has previously taken legal action against companies for using her likeness without permission. Her request to OpenAI not to use her voice in its AI models was a clear indication of her stance on protecting her image and voice.

OpenAI’s Decision

Despite Scarlett Johansson’s explicit request, OpenAI decided to include her voice in the training data for GPT-3. The organization argued that the model was trained on a large dataset of internet text, which includes publicly available celebrity voices.

OpenAI also stated that the use of celebrity voices in AI-generated content is a complex legal issue and that they are working on establishing guidelines for the responsible use of such voices in the future.

Ethical Concerns

Scarlett Johansson’s case raises important ethical questions about the use of celebrity voices in AI technology. While some argue that public figures should have a say in how their voices are used, others believe that once a voice is in the public domain, it can be freely used for non-malicious purposes.

The incident also highlights the challenges of regulating AI technology and the importance of establishing clear guidelines for the ethical use of AI-generated content, especially when it involves the likeness of real individuals.

Future Implications

The controversy surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s voice in GPT-3 serves as a reminder of the growing influence of AI technology in various aspects of our lives. As AI models become more advanced, issues of privacy, consent, and ethics will continue to be hot topics of debate.

It remains to be seen how organizations like OpenAI will navigate the complex landscape of using celebrity voices in AI-generated content while respecting the rights and wishes of the individuals involved.

The case of Scarlett Johansson’s voice in GPT-3 underscores the need for clear ethical guidelines and regulations when it comes to the use of celebrity voices in AI technology. It also highlights the importance of respecting the privacy and consent of individuals, even in the digital realm.

As AI technology continues to advance, it is crucial for organizations and policymakers to address these ethical challenges proactively to ensure that the use of AI-generated content is done responsibly and with respect for the rights of all individuals involved.