ChatGPT suspends Scarlett Johansson-like voice as actor speaks out against OpenAI

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Scarlett Johansson's criticism of OpenAI for using a voice that sounded eerily similar to hers in their new ChatGPT product, without her permission.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Scarlett Johansson's Criticism of OpenAI

1. What were the key points of Scarlett Johansson's criticism of OpenAI?

• Johansson was approached by OpenAI 9 months ago to voice their AI system, but declined for "personal reasons"
• She was "shocked" and "angered" when she heard the voice option in ChatGPT, which "sounded so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference"
• Johansson's lawyers contacted OpenAI to have the voice removed, after the company reached out to her agent asking her to reconsider

2. What was OpenAI's response to Johansson's criticism?

• OpenAI removed the voice option from ChatGPT, which they called "Sky"
• OpenAI claimed that "Sky's voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice"
• The company said they value the voice acting industry and compensated the voice actors for their work

3. What were the reactions to the similarity between the ChatGPT voice and Johansson's character in the film "Her"?

• Many commentators remarked on the similarities, including Johansson's husband Colin Jost
• Some questioned why the voice was so "fawning and gendered", with the Daily Show host Desi Lydic joking "You can really tell that a man built this tech"

[02] OpenAI's Voice Selection Process

1. How did OpenAI select the voice for ChatGPT?

• OpenAI reviewed hundreds of voice acting submissions over 5 months and released 5 different voice options in September
• The chosen actors then flew to San Francisco for recording sessions to train OpenAI's models on their voices
• OpenAI claimed they selected the voice based on criteria like having a "timeless" quality and being "an approachable voice that inspires trust"

2. What was the context around OpenAI's decision to remove the "Sky" voice?

• The removal came days after several top members of OpenAI's safety team resigned
• A key researcher, Jan Leike, said the company was prioritizing "shiny products" over safety culture and processes
• OpenAI's co-founders defended the company, stating they would not release a product if there were safety concerns

3. How have AI companies faced pushback from the entertainment industry?

• AI companies, especially OpenAI, have faced lawsuits and concerns from entertainers, creators and media companies over alleged copyright violations
• Major entertainment unions like Sag-Aftra have gone on strike over issues including how their likenesses will be used by AI