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The debate around artificial intelligence (AI) voice imitation has escalated, with prominent figures voicing their alarm over the legal and ethical implications that have troubled the general public and industry professionals alike.
Controversy has recently flared up due to OpenAI’s utilization of Scarlett Johansson’s voice likeness in their ChatGPT voice synthesis without securing her permission. Johansson expressed her dismay, stating “I was very shocked to know that ChatGPT voice was so similar to mine”.
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Following Johansson’s legal protest, OpenAI suspended its voice service. However, the release of Sky, one of the five voices developed for ChatGPT, reignited the controversy due to its resemblance to Johansson’s voice. Despite rejecting OpenAI’s offer to be the voice of GPT-4o, Johansson was taken aback by the similarity of Sky’s voice to her own. The issue has caught international media attention, raising questions about potential legal repercussions for OpenAI.
Further compounding concerns, OpenAI recently disbanded the Super Alignment team responsible for AI safety and control. The disbandment has led to speculation about a decline in the company’s safety awareness.
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This issue extends beyond Hollywood, as seen in South Korea where an AI-generated video of singer IU performing BIBI’s “Bam Yang Gang” became a topic of debate. Similar AI renditions using voices of Jang Yoon-jung and Park Myung-soo have created unease among the celebrities, who are disconcerted by the hyper-realistic imitations of their voices.
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Both celebrities expressed their astonishment and concern about the implications of such technology. As AI voice technology advances, broader societal concerns have sparked a debate on the need for regulation and the preservation of individual rights in the age of AI.
FAQs on AI Voice Imitation Crisis
- What is AI voice imitation and why is it causing concern?
- AI voice imitation is the use of artificial intelligence technology to mimic or reproduce a person’s voice. It is causing concern because of its implications for consent, privacy, and the potential for misuse, such as in cases where the voices of celebrities are replicated without permission.
- Has OpenAI addressed the concerns raised by Scarlett Johansson and other celebrities?
- OpenAI initially suspended their voice service in response to Scarlett Johansson’s protests. However, with the release of the Sky voice service that still resembled her voice, ongoing concerns are being raised about OpenAI’s handling of such issues.
- What was the Super Alignment team, and why does its disbandment matter?
- The Super Alignment team was a part of OpenAI dedicated to the safety and control of AI technology. Its disbandment is significant because it suggests a potential decrease in the company’s commitment to AI safety and oversight, leading to incidents like the ones involving celebrity voice imitation.
- Can legal action be taken against AI companies for voice imitation?
- Legal action can potentially be taken based on factors such as intellectual property rights and rights to likeness, but the specifics depend on the jurisdiction and existing laws related to AI and digital rights.
Conclusion
The growing consternation among celebrities and the public with regard to the AI voice imitation highlights the ethical and legal challenges inherent in the deployment of advanced AI technologies. As the lines between digital creations and human voices blur, it becomes increasingly necessary to develop a framework that ensures responsible usage, protects individual rights, and addresses potential abuses of AI voice technology. These recent developments act as a catalyst, urging industry leaders, policymakers, and technologists to work collaboratively to safeguard the integrity of personal identity in an AI-driven world.