BTN News: OpenAI has come under fire after users identified a startling similarity between its new AI voice feature, “Sky,” and the voice of actress Scarlett Johansson. The resemblance led Johansson to seek legal recourse, claiming the company used a voice strikingly similar to hers without consent. Following her complaint, OpenAI has reluctantly agreed to pull the “Sky” voice from its ChatGPT platform.
The issue has reignited discussions on privacy, AI ethics, and the boundaries of artificial intelligence in mimicking human characteristics.
Scarlett Johansson’s Legal Move Shakes OpenAI
Actress Claims “Sky” Voice Closely Resembles Her Own
When Scarlett Johansson first heard the “Sky” voice, a new AI feature from OpenAI, she was shocked. The voice bore an uncanny resemblance to her own, prompting the actress to take immediate legal action. In a public statement released on Monday, Johansson revealed that her legal team sent letters to OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, demanding clarification on how the company created the voice. “I was shocked and angry,” Johansson said, “I couldn’t believe that they would develop a voice so eerily similar to mine.”
OpenAI Under Fire: Was “Sky” Inspired by Johansson’s Voice?
Legal Challenges and AI Voice Ethics at the Forefront
The controversy began when OpenAI launched the “Sky” voice as part of its latest version of ChatGPT. Users quickly noticed the similarities between “Sky” and Johansson’s voice, leading to public outcry and comparisons to the 2013 film Her, where Johansson voices a virtual assistant. This is not the first time the actress has faced issues involving AI. Just last November, Johansson took legal action against another AI app that used her image without permission.
In her statement, Johansson disclosed that OpenAI had approached her as early as September, offering her the opportunity to officially lend her voice to their AI. She declined the offer due to personal reasons she chose not to disclose. Despite her refusal, Johansson claims that nine months later, friends, family, and the public began pointing out the similarity between her voice and the “Sky” voice.
OpenAI’s Response: “Not an Imitation,” But an Uncanny Resemblance
The AI Company Struggles to Defend its Position
OpenAI insists that the voices used in ChatGPT were created through a “careful selection process” involving professional voice actors, talent agencies, and industry consultants over a period of five months. “Sky” was never intended to be an imitation of Johansson, the company clarified in a blog post. “We believe AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice,” they wrote.
Nevertheless, OpenAI has agreed to “pause” the use of the “Sky” voice while they respond to Johansson’s concerns. This decision comes amidst growing criticism from users who have raised ethical questions about how OpenAI selects and develops AI voices. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “This feels like a female character created by men. Why is it so flattering and flirtatious?”
The “Her” Connection: An Unwanted Parallel
Fans Draw Parallels to 2013 Film Featuring Johansson
The “Sky” voice controversy has sparked comparisons to Her, the 2013 film where Johansson’s character, an AI assistant, becomes the love interest of the protagonist. In the film, directed by Spike Jonze, the storyline explores themes of love and intimacy in a tech-dominated world. Jonze had clarified that his movie was “not about technology or software,” but rather about human emotions. However, the parallels drawn by users between Johansson’s role in Her and the “Sky” voice have added another layer to the debate on AI ethics and consent.
OpenAI’s Future: Navigating AI Development and Legal Risks
The Road Ahead for AI Voice Development Amid Controversy
OpenAI’s latest update, including the “Sky” voice feature, was initially part of a broader set of improvements aimed at making AI more conversational and engaging. Yet, with the controversy heating up, the company now faces increased scrutiny over how it develops its voice technologies. According to OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, the new voices were designed to be “multilingual” and possess a “friendly or charismatic” tone that “feels timeless.”
Moving forward, OpenAI has announced that the advanced voice features initially showcased in the spring update will be rolled out gradually to premium subscribers over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the company will need to navigate both legal and ethical challenges in ensuring that its voice technologies respect privacy, consent, and the unique characteristics of individuals.
Balancing Innovation with Ethics: What’s Next for AI?
Can AI Voice Technologies Avoid Future Controversies?
The “Sky” incident raises essential questions about the future of AI-generated content and the thin line between inspiration and imitation. As AI continues to advance, companies like OpenAI must carefully consider the ethical implications of their innovations. With voices like Johansson’s becoming a focal point for debate, the conversation about consent, privacy, and the role of AI in human interactions will likely intensify.
OpenAI’s challenge will be to ensure that its technology fosters trust and complies with both legal standards and public expectations.
