It is unusual for a single feature in a tech product to dominate headlines for a week, but that was the case when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman introduced Sky, one of five voices powered by ChatGPT that read out answers. Many listeners, including Scarlett Johansson, recognized the voice as hers. Johansson revealed that Altman had contacted her multiple times for permission to use her voice, even reaching out just days before the Sky demo. However, she had not given consent, leading her lawyers to seek answers from OpenAI. The company quickly took down Sky in response to Johansson’s statement. As the situation unfolded, OpenAI found themselves in the position of having to explain the controversy surrounding the voice of Sky. Despite their insistence that it was not Johansson’s voice but a voice actor who sounded similar, the incident tarnished OpenAI’s reputation. The company’s valuation and perception depend on the belief that AI is advancing rapidly, even as evidence suggests otherwise. The scandal highlighted the collective belief in AI’s potential and the consequences of misleading perceptions. The incident also raised legal concerns regarding the unauthorized use of a celebrity’s likeness. Altman’s decision to reference Johansson’s movie “Her,” which features an AI assistant voiced by Johansson, during the unveiling of Sky added to the controversy. The situation revealed deeper issues within OpenAI, including allegations of abusive behavior by Altman and internal conflicts resulting in key personnel departures. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and challenges associated with AI technology, as other companies like Microsoft and Google also face criticism for their AI initiatives. Ultimately, the fallout from the Johansson scandal underscores the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding AI development and deployment.
