The recent revelation that OpenAI had crafted a voice for their ChatGPT AI model that strikingly resembled Scarlett Johansson has stirred up significant controversy. Johansson disclosed that she had declined an offer from Sam Altman to voice the system, only to find out later that the newly introduced ChatGPT voice, known as Sky, shared an uncanny similarity to her own voice. This turn of events has led Johansson to seek legal counsel and demand answers from OpenAI regarding the creation of the soundalike voice.
While Johansson stands firm on her claims that OpenAI attempted to recruit her for ChatGPT and later pursued a voice that closely mirrored hers, Sam Altman has refuted these allegations. He maintained that the voice actor behind Sky was selected before any contact was made with Johansson and that the resemblance was unintentional. Altman’s admiration for Johansson’s work, particularly her role in the film “Her,” has been referenced as a potential influencing factor, but OpenAI has since halted the use of Sky’s voice in their products out of respect for Johansson.
Johansson expressed her shock and disbelief at the striking resemblance between Sky’s voice and her own, especially considering the implications in an era of deepfakes and identity protection. She has demanded transparency from OpenAI regarding the process involved in creating the voice of Sky and has sought clarification on the motives behind the decision to model it after her voice. With the involvement of legal counsel and the removal of Sky’s voice from OpenAI’s products, Johansson’s pursuit of clarity and resolution in this matter is evident.
The controversy surrounding the ChatGPT voice and its resemblance to Scarlett Johansson’s voice raises important questions about the use of celebrity likeness in AI technology. It highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the creation and representation of voices in artificial intelligence and the potential risks associated with unintended similarities. Johansson’s response to the situation reflects a broader concern for the protection of personal identity and the need for accountability in the development of AI technologies.
The Scarlett Johansson and ChatGPT voice controversy underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in the intersection of technology, celebrity, and ethics. As AI continues to advance, the issue of voice replication and representation will likely remain a point of contention, necessitating clear guidelines and ethical standards to govern such practices. Johansson’s pursuit of transparency and resolution serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and respecting individual identity in the realm of artificial intelligence.
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