A controversy has erupted between actress Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI, the company known for its large language model ChatGPT. Johansson alleges that a recently introduced voice option for ChatGPT, codenamed “Sky,” is an unauthorized imitation of her voice.

The dispute centers around Scarlett Johansson claim that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman approached her in 2023 to serve as the voice of ChatGPT. Johansson maintains that she declined the offer. However, upon encountering the “Sky” voice in the released version of ChatGPT, she alleges a striking resemblance to her own voice, with references being drawn to her performance as Samantha, the AI companion in the 2013 film “Her.”

Johansson released a statement expressing her shock and disapproval. “My voice is my intellectual property, and I never authorized OpenAI to use it,” she stated.

OpenAI vehemently denies the allegations. In a statement, CEO Sam Altman asserted that the “Sky” voice is derived from a different actress and was never intended to mimic Johansson’s voice.

This controversy has ignited a social media firestorm. The hashtag #RespectJohanssonVoice has gained traction, with many users voicing their support for the actress. Additionally, concerns regarding OpenAI’s ethical practices have surfaced online, with some users questioning CEO Sam Altman’s trustworthiness.

The incident underscores the growing anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence and the utilization of voice data. As AI technology continues its rapid advancement, issues concerning ownership and ethical application of personal data are becoming increasingly critical.

The controversy between Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI regarding the voice of ChatGPT’s “Sky” option has several layers to unpack. Here’s a deeper look:

Johansson’s Claims:

• Approached in 2023: Johansson alleges OpenAI CEO Sam Altman directly contacted her to be the voice of ChatGPT in September 2023.
• Offer Rejected: She maintains she declined the offer.
• “Eerie” Similarity: Upon encountering the “Sky” voice, Johansson claims it sounds uncannily similar to hers, with references drawn to her work in “Her.” This has sparked comparisons between Samantha, the AI voiced by Johansson, and the “Sky” voice.

OpenAI’s Response:

• Denial of Unauthorized Use: OpenAI firmly denies using Johansson’s voice without permission.
• Alternative Source: They claim the “Sky” voice belongs to a different professional actress and wasn’t intended to resemble Johansson.

Social Media Reaction:

• #RespectJohanssonVoice: The controversy has ignited a social media campaign supporting Johansson and her intellectual property rights.
• Altman’s Trustworthiness: Questions regarding OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s trustworthiness and OpenAI’s ethical practices have emerged online.

Wider Implications:

• AI and Voice Data: This incident highlights growing concerns about AI’s use of voice data and the potential for misuse.
• Data Ownership: The debate raises questions regarding ownership of voice data and the need for clear regulations in the age of advanced AI.
• Transparency and Ethics: Transparency and ethical considerations in AI development are becoming increasingly crucial.

Unresolved Issues:

• Independent Verification: Currently, there’s no independent verification of how similar the “Sky” voice is to Johansson’s.
• Legal Action: Whether Johansson will pursue legal action against OpenAI remains unclear.

This controversy is likely to continue unfolding. It serves as a reminder of the need for open discussions and regulations concerning AI development and the ethical use of personal data.

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Should AI companies be required to obtain consent for using voices? Let us know in the comments!