ChatGPT Voice Paused by OpenAI Scarlett Johansson is furious with OpenAI over what she perceives to be a remarkably similar voice to her own in their ChatGPT helper, Sky.
Overview
OpenAI unveiled Sky, the voice of its ChatGPT helper, last week. It reminded many of Johansson’s voice from the 2013 science fiction movie “Her,” in which she played a computer operating system.
Reaction from Johansson
Johansson’s publicist Marcel Pariseau issued a statement conveying the actress’s dismay and rage. She disclosed that her legal team demanded in two letters from OpenAI an explanation of how they developed the voice for Sky. In September of last year, Johansson said, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made her an offer to voice ChatGPT 4.0 because he thought her voice would help people feel more at ease with AI. She said no for private reasons.
Strange Inheritance
Johansson said she was taken aback when people and friends remarked how much Sky sounded like herself. She pointed out that by tweeting “her,” a reference to the movie “Her,” Altman even alluded to the resemblance. Altman asked Johansson’s representative to reevaluate the offer just before the demo was released. OpenAI released it nonetheless even though they couldn’t come to an agreement.
Legal Action and the Answer from OpenAI
After the release, Johansson engaged legal counsel, who wrote OpenAI letters describing the problem and asking for information on how they created Sky’s voice. Since then, OpenAI has consented to pause utilizing Sky’s voice.
OpenAI statement
Altman shot back, saying, “The voice of Sky was never meant to sound like Scarlett Johansson’s, and it is not hers. We contacted Ms. Johansson before we cast the voice actor for Sky. Sky’s voice is no longer used in our products out of respect for Ms. Johansson. We regret not communicating with Ms. Johansson more clearly.”
Prior Events
Johansson has had her likeness used without her permission before. She sued Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar, an AI image-generating program, last November for using her voice and likeness without permission in an advertisement. Her lawyer underlined that they will pursue all legal options and treat such issues seriously.
Works in Legislation
Bipartisan senators put forth the No Fakes Act in October, which would create a legal right to voice and image control and provide safeguards for seventy years after death. Infractions carry a $5,000 fine each time as well as any demonstrated economic losses.
Final Thought
In this day of deepfakes and AI, Johansson hopes for a resolution that incorporates legislation and openness to safeguard individual rights.