Scarlett Johansson Expresses Concerns about AI Voice Mimicry
Scarlett Johansson, a highly recognized figure in the Hollywood scene is known for her unique ability to become her movie characters seamlessly. A recent testament to this was in her latest role in “Her,” where she played a feminine AI virtual assistant, captivating audiences with an interesting mix of friendliness and romance.
However, setting the film's narrative aside, there has been some recent news regarding the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential cyber threats, closely associated with Johansson.
OpenAI Approach: ChatGPT 4.0's Voice Controversy
Reports revealed that Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, had twice offered Johansson the opportunity to lend her voice to a new project, ChatGPT 4.0, also known as Sky. Although taken aback by the rapid advancements in robotics and AI, Johansson graciously declined the requests.
The issue took a turn when Johansson started receiving calls from close friends and family about an AI assistant named Hello ChatGPT4o. They claimed that the AI assistant's voice resembled Samantha, Johansson's character in the movie ‘Her'.
Although Johansson was initially doubtful, she quickly became alarmed as she listened to the forwarded audio clips and acknowledged the uncanny similarity to her own voice. The prospect of her voice being replicated by an AI assistant raised concerns about the implications for her career and private life.
This may seem like an odd cyber threat to some. However, the implications could be severe. For instance, manipulative individuals could potentially misuse the AI's voice to lure friends or family into transferring money to fake accounts. This form of scam is widely known as Vishing.
Altman's Response to Johansson's Concerns
Upon hearing Johansson's apprehensions, her agent Marcel Pariseau contacted Sam Altman to discuss the matter. Altman and his team clarified that the voice used by the AI was delivered by a different professional, and it was not intended to mimic Johansson's voice in any way. Although he expressed regret if Johansson felt offended, Altman did not agree to switch the voice to another female artist.
Stay tuned for further developments on this ongoing story.
Alejandro Rodriguez, a tech writer with a computer science background, excels in making complex tech topics accessible. His articles, focusing on consumer electronics and software, blend technical expertise with relatable storytelling. Known for insightful reviews and commentaries, Alejandro's work appears in various tech publications, engaging both enthusiasts and novices.
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