For the unversed, ‘Sky’ is an AI chatbot designed to enhance user interaction. However, the launch of Sky was met with unexpected controversy when Johansson’s family, friends, and fans noticed an uncanny resemblance between Sky’s voice and that of the actress. Johansson quickly responded, accusing OpenAI of using a voice that mimicked hers without her permission.
Johansson revealed that OpenAI had previously approached her to lend her voice to Sky, an offer she declined. Despite her refusal, the final product sounded disturbingly similar to Johansson, leading her to believe that her vocal identity was being exploited for commercial purposes without her consent.
Public statement and legal action
On May 20, Johansson spoke out about the issue, voicing her frustration and alarm over the unauthorized use of her voice. She declared her plans to take legal action against Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighting the importance of safeguarding individual privacy against technologies such as AI and Deepfake.
Johansson stated, “I am deeply disturbed by the use of artificial intelligence to replicate my voice without my permission. This not only violates my personal rights but also sets a dangerous precedent for the misuse of technology in ways that can harm individuals.”
In response, OpenAI denied intentionally replicating Scarlett Johansson’s voice. They claimed that Sky’s voice was created using a different actress, whose identity remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns. Despite this defense, OpenAI’s lack of transparency about the voice creation process fueled further skepticism.
Under mounting legal pressure, OpenAI eventually agreed to discontinue the use of Sky’s voice. They replaced it with a new voice, dubbed “Juniper,” in an effort to resolve the controversy. This change marked the end of Sky’s brief but contentious existence.
The Scarlett Johansson incident serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about AI and personal rights. It highlights the importance of respecting individual identities in the digital age and the need for thoughtful regulation to guide the ethical use of powerful technologies. As we move forward, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of personal rights while embracing the benefits of AI innovation.
