San Francisco: Renowned actor Scarlett Johansson is making headlines by filing a lawsuit against an app developer for employing her name and an AI-generated replica of her voice in an online advertisement. The case highlights the growing concern over the use of AI to replicate celebrity voices without their consent.
The Disputed Advertisement
The controversial advertisement in question is a 22-second video that featured Scarlett Johansson. It purported to show her behind the scenes while filming ‘Black Widow,’ during which she was recorded saying, “What’s up guys? It’s Scarlett, and I want you to come with me.” However, the advertisement then took a concerning turn as an AI-generated voice, designed to mimic the actor’s speech patterns, continued the dialogue, saying, “It’s not limited to avatars only. You can also create images with texts and even your AI videos. I think you shouldn’t miss it.” The advertisement served as a promotion for an AI image editor named Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar.
Legal Action Against the Developer
Scarlett Johansson’s legal team has taken a strong stance against the developer, Convert Software, which created the Lisa AI app. The actor’s representatives argue that she never endorsed the application, and her name and voice were used without her consent. The legal action aims to address this unauthorized use of her likeness and voice and to protect her rights as a public figure.
Importance of Consent and Identity
This case raises important questions about the ethical use of AI-generated voices and the importance of securing consent when replicating someone’s identity, even in a digital context. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, who have their public image and voice widely recognized, may face increasing challenges in preserving their identity and privacy in the digital age.
Protecting Public Figures
Protecting public figures from the misuse of their identity in digital content is becoming a priority, not just for actors and celebrities but for anyone who may be subject to identity theft through AI applications. The legal action taken by Scarlett Johansson underscores the need for stronger regulations and safeguards to ensure that AI technology is used responsibly.
AI and the Entertainment Industry
The entertainment industry has been at the forefront of AI’s impact on content creation. While AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing creativity and efficiency, it also raises ethical concerns when used to manipulate or replicate the voices of public figures without their permission. The case involving Scarlett Johansson is a prominent example of these ethical dilemmas.
Scarlett Johansson’s legal action against the AI app developer brings to light the challenges posed by AI technology in protecting the identity and privacy of public figures. It underscores the need for clear guidelines and regulations to address the ethical use of AI-generated voices and digital replicas. This case has broader implications for the entertainment industry and society as a whole as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on personal and public identities.
