![Scarlett Johansson Confronts OpenAI Over Unauthorized Use of Her Voice for ChatGPT’s ‘Sky’ Character | OpenAI’s Controversy, Scarlett Johansson, Voice Rights 2 scarjo statement](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/scarjo-statement.jpg?w=1170)
Award-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson has made a public declaration regarding the resemblance of OpenAI’s “Sky” voice character for ChatGPT to her voice.
Johansson disclosed that Sam Altman, the CEO of the tech company, approached her with a request to lend her voice to the Voice Mode feature of ChatGPT. She stated that although she declined the proposal, OpenAI proceeded to develop “Sky” which bore a striking resemblance to her vocal signature. The company has since ceased using the “Sky” voice following her intervention, and Johansson is now taking legal measures.
Read further for the complete details voiced by Johansson…
In the early fall of last year, Sam Altman made an offer to me concerning the role of voice actor for their latest iteration of ChatGPT, version 4.0. Altman pitched the idea saying my involvement would bridge the divide between creatives and tech firms while providing a sense of comfort to users about the growing human-AI interaction. Despite his belief that my voice would have a soothing effect, I turned down the offer citing personal grounds.
Fast forward to nine months later, the voice of the “Sky” system on ChatGPT was uncannily similar to mine, as noted by people who know me well and the wider public. Upon listening to the demonstration, I was astounded and infuriated by the prospect that Altman greenlit a voice that closely mimicked mine, leading to a situation where it was indistinguishable by my inner circle and media parties.
Adding to this, Mr. Altman made a cryptic tweet featuring the word “her” as an allusion to the movie in which I voiced an AI chat system that built a personal connection with a user. Barely two days prior to the ChatGPT 4.0 preview, I was approached through my representative by Mr. Altman to reconsider my previous decision, but before any discussion took place, the system was already public. This led me to seek out legal advice and confront OpenAI about their methodology in creating the “Sky” voice.
Ultimately, OpenAI, though somewhat hesitantly, removed the “Sky” voice. As our society wrestles with deepfakes and preserving our identities, works, and likenesses, I stress the importance of clarity on such matters. I remain hopeful for a resolution centred around transparency and advocate for the establishment of laws aimed at securing individuals’ rights.
FAQs about Scarlett Johansson’s Confrontation with OpenAI
- What issue has Scarlett Johansson raised against OpenAI?
Scarlett Johansson has challenged OpenAI for using a voice in ChatGPT’s “Sky” character that closely resembles her own, despite her refusal to participate. - Did Scarlett Johansson agree to voice the ChatGPT system?
No, she declined the offer from OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman for personal reasons. - What reaction did Scarlett Johansson have to the resemblance of “Sky” to her voice?
She expressed shock, anger, and disbelief upon noticing the similarity and has sought legal action. - Has OpenAI stopped using the “Sky” voice?
Yes, they have discontinued using the voice character following Scarlett Johansson’s legal approach. - What does Scarlett Johansson hope to achieve by confronting OpenAI?
She seeks transparency and legislative action to protect individual rights, work, and identities.
Conclusion
Scarlett Johansson’s stance against OpenAI’s use of a voice resembling her own without her consent highlights significant concerns regarding the rights of individuals over their likeness and the protection against unauthorized usage, especially in the realm of emerging technologies like AI. As OpenAI has stopped using the “Sky” voice, this serves as a broader case for the importance of ethical considerations and legal frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements. Johansson’s pursuit of clarity and accountability may well precede vital discussions on protecting personal rights in the digital age.