When Her was released in 2013, artificial intelligence was not yet a big topic. Over a decade later, the world has changed. Since then Rise of ChatGPT and other AI tools, the discussion about the advantages and dangers of artificial intelligence has reached the mainstream of society and is an everyday topic of conversation.
What was science fiction in 2013 is now reality: OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has released a new version of the chatbot that has a Voice engine called Sky – and Sky’s voice sounds amazingly similar to Scarlett Johansson’s. So similar that the two have even been confused.
Scarlett Johansson takes action against OpenAI and the Sky voice in the new ChatGPT version
The inspiration behind the Sky voice is obvious: it is intended to be the voice of Scarlett Johansson. Impersonate Samantha from Her. After the presentation of ChatGPT 4.0 caused a stir last week, the Hollywood star is now speaking out and taking legal action against OpenAI, as NPR reports.
In a statement, Johansson explains:
Last September I received an offer from [OpenAI-CEO] Sam Altman, who hired me as a spokesperson for the current ChatGPT 4.0 system He told me he felt that through my voice I could bridge the gap between tech companies and creatives and help consumers feel comfortable with the seismic shift in people and AI. He said he felt my voice would be reassuring to people. After careful consideration and for personal reasons I declined the offer.
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Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow
Johansson continues:
I was shocked, upset and couldn’t believe that Mr. Altman had developed a voice that was mine sounds so eerily similar, that my closest friends and the news outlets couldn’t tell the difference. Scarlett Johansson calls for more transparency when dealing with artificial intelligence
OpenAI has taken the Sky voice offline again for the time being. In her letter, Johansson calls on Altman and his team to break down the process of creating the Sky voice in detail greatest possible transparency to accomplish.
Scarlett Johansson comes to the following conclusion:
At a time when we are grappling with deepfakes and protecting our own image, our own work, our own identity, I believe these are questions that absolute clarity earn.
You can soon hear Scarlett Johansson’s voice in Transformers One in the cinema. By animated sci-fi action film She voices the character Elita. She was also recently discussed as the lead actress in the next Jurassic World film.