OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Team Defend Against Scarlett Johansson’s Accusations

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and his team recently found themselves in hot water after actor Scarlett Johansson accused the company of co-opting her voice for their latest AI engine. The company defended itself in a nearly 740-word blog post, explaining their voice selection process and denying any intentional mimicry of Johansson’s voice.

According to OpenAI, they received submissions from over 400 voice and screen actors before choosing five distinct voices for their Voice Mode feature. The company emphasized that the voice in question, named Sky, belonged to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice, not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson.

However, Johansson claimed that Altman had approached her twice about licensing her voice for the AI engine, and she had declined both times. She expressed shock and anger at the company’s decision to use a voice that sounded eerily similar to hers without her permission.

The situation drew comparisons to Johansson’s role in the movie “Her,” where she played a virtual assistant that develops an intimate relationship with a lonely writer. OpenAI eventually dropped the voice from their AI engine and stated they were working to address questions about their voice selection process.

The incident with Johansson is just one example of the ethical and legal challenges surrounding AI technology. OpenAI’s actions have raised concerns about appropriation of likeness and the importance of obtaining consent for using someone’s voice or likeness in AI applications.

In the broader AI landscape, Microsoft announced the launch of Copilot Plus PCs, which integrate AI directly into Windows-based computers. These AI-powered laptops are set to hit the market in June and aim to provide users with a more personalized and efficient computing experience.

Meanwhile, OpenAI and other tech giants have agreed to implement a “kill switch” in their AI systems to prevent catastrophic outcomes. The move comes as experts warn of the potential risks posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies, including the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

As the AI industry continues to evolve, the debate over ethics, safety, and regulation will only intensify. Companies like OpenAI and Microsoft are at the forefront of shaping the future of AI, but they must navigate complex ethical and legal considerations to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.