Actress Scarlett Johansson refused an offer to lend her voice to OpenAI's ChatGPT 4.0 chatbot, raising personal and ethical concerns.

The actress expressed her dismay when OpenAI released a voice for the chatbot that she felt closely resembled hers, particularly after she declined a request to participate in the endeavor, as Fox News reports.

Last year, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, approached Johansson with a proposal to voice their ChatGPT 4.0 system. While the offer seemed enticing, Johansson decided to decline it. She expressed unease about AI technology being closely associated with her identity.

Johansson stressed that she did not wish to be at the forefront of the artificial intelligence movement. "No, thank you. Not for me," Johansson remarked to her husband, the only person she informed about the proposal.

Ethical Concerns and Family Come First

As a mother of two, Johansson also had concerns about her children’s reaction. She has a nine-year-old daughter with her ex-husband, Romain Dauriac, and a two-year-old son with her current husband, Colin Jost. She felt that her involvement in AI would be unsettling for them.

In May, OpenAI launched ChatGPT featuring a voice called "Sky." Many speculated that this voice bore a close resemblance to Johansson’s.

On the launch day, Altman posted "her" on the social media platform X, referencing the film "Her." In the film, Johansson voiced Samantha, an AI with human-like qualities.

Johansson Reacts to ChatGPT Voice Release

Johansson was alarmed by the uncanny similarity of "Sky" to her own voice. She mentioned that close friends and various news outlets could not discern any difference. “When I heard the released demo, I was shocked, angered, and in disbelief,” she said, underscoring her frustration with Altman's decision.

Following these events, Johansson's legal team reached out to OpenAI with two letters. They sought clarity on the development process of the AI's voice. Her lawyer’s communication emphasized their concerns about deepfake technology and the need for regulation.

Official Statements and Legal Procedures

In his response, Altman stated that "Sky’s" voice was neither of Johansson’s nor intentionally designed to mimic her. He also mentioned that the casting for the AI's voice had been finalized before Johansson was approached. "Out of respect for Ms. Johansson, we have paused using Sky’s voice in our products," Altman stated.

Johansson remained apprehensive about deepfake technology. She highlighted the damaging potential of unauthorized replication and the challenges involved in managing such technology across different jurisdictions. Johansson noted, "If your ex-partner is putting out revenge, deepfake porn, your whole life can be completely ruined."

Taking A Stance on AI And Identity

Johansson actively chose to steer clear of discussions surrounding AI. Even though she was taken aback by the unexpected association, she reiterated her wishes to distance herself from the technology. "I had actively avoided being a part of the conversation, which was what made it so disturbing," she remarked.

The actress emphasized that her decision was made early on based on her values and concerns for her children's perceptions. She steered clear of the AI project to maintain her principles. "I felt I did not want to be at the forefront of that. I just felt it went against my core values," she conveyed.

The Broader Implications of AI Voices

As AI technology continues to advance, the concerns raised by Johansson’s experience point to broader ethical questions. The potential for voice replication and deepfake technology to disrupt personal and professional realms remains a significant challenge.

Altman’s clarification and the temporary halt in using the controversial voice underline an ongoing dialogue about ethical AI development. Balancing innovation while respecting personal identities is a developing priority for the industry.

Conclusion

Scarlett Johansson’s decision to reject OpenAI’s offer to voice their ChatGPT 4.0 was driven by her core values and considerations for her family. Despite her efforts to distance herself, OpenAI's subsequent release of a voice resembling hers sparked significant controversy.

This incident highlights critical concerns about the use of deepfake technology and the need for more rigorous regulation and ethical considerations in AI development.

Both Johansson’s firm stance and OpenAI’s response signal the ongoing complexity in the intersection of technology, ethics, and personal identities.