OpenAI Faces Backlash Over Scarlett Johansson-like Voice in ChatGPT Product
OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research lab, recently found itself in hot water after facing backlash from actress Scarlett Johansson over a voice option in its ChatGPT product. The voice option named “Sky” closely resembled Johansson’s voice, prompting the actor to express her surprise and anger at the unauthorized use of her likeness.
Johansson revealed that OpenAI had approached her nine months prior to voice its AI system, but she declined for personal reasons. Despite her refusal, she was shocked to hear the voice option, which was indistinguishable from her own voice according to friends and news outlets. The controversy escalated when OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, posted a tweet saying “her” following the presentation, implying an intentional resemblance to Johansson’s character in the film “Her.”
In response to the backlash, OpenAI swiftly removed the Sky voice option from ChatGPT and issued a statement clarifying that the voice belonged to a different professional actress using her natural speaking voice. The company chose not to disclose the names of their voice talents to protect their privacy.
Criticism of the Sky voice was not just limited to its similarity to Johansson. Some commentators argued that the voice was overly fawning and gendered, with jokes about how “a man built this tech.” OpenAI defended its selection process, stating that it aimed for a voice with a “timeless” quality that would inspire trust. The company reviewed hundreds of submissions before selecting five voice options for ChatGPT, all of which were released in September.
The controversy surrounding the Sky voice coincided with internal turmoil at OpenAI, with several top members of its safety team resigning over concerns about the company prioritizing “shiny products” over safety protocols. However, Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman maintained that OpenAI would not release a product if there were safety concerns.
OpenAI’s blog post about the incident emphasized its collaboration with entertainment industry professionals and fair compensation for voice actors. The tech industry, including OpenAI, is facing increasing scrutiny and legal challenges from entertainers, creators, and media companies over potential copyright violations and fears that AI could replace human workers.
The incident involving Scarlett Johansson and the Sky voice option serves as a cautionary tale for tech companies about the importance of obtaining consent and respecting the rights of individuals, especially when it comes to using their likeness or voice in AI products. It also highlights the need for transparency and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI technologies.岁
Overall, the situation underscores the complexities and ethical dilemmas that arise when technology intersects with entertainment and the importance of upholding privacy and consent standards in the AI industry.