OpenAI mutes ChatGPT voice likened to Scarlett Johansson's: Echoes of 'Her'?

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OpenAI, the organization behind the renowned AI model ChatGPT, has halted the use of a voice that eerily resembled Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, who voiced the 2013 AI-themed movie ‘Her’. This decision was made following user observations about the striking similarity between the AI voice and Johansson’s unique vocal tone.

 

 

Johansson revealed that she had initially declined an offer from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to lend her voice to the AI system. She was taken aback when she discovered that the AI’s voice bore an uncanny resemblance to her own. The actress stated that even her closest friends and various news outlets couldn’t distinguish between the two.

 

The situation escalated when Altman insinuated the similarity was intentional, tweeting a single word ‘her’ - a reference to the film in which Johansson voiced a chat system. This led to Johansson seeking legal counsel and demanding OpenAI to detail the exact process by which they created the ‘Sky’ voice.

 

 

The voice, dubbed ‘Sky’, was a feature of a significant update to ChatGPT. However, the uncanny resemblance to Johansson’s voice stirred up a storm of controversy, leading OpenAI to take immediate action. The organization clarified that ‘Sky’ was not designed to imitate Johansson’s voice, but was in fact the voice of a different professional actress.

 

OpenAI’s decision to suspend the use of ‘Sky’ is viewed as a substantial stride towards addressing ethical dilemmas in AI. The organization has underscored that AI voices should not intentionally mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice, thereby setting a standard for other AI developers to follow.

 

This incident has ignited a wider discussion about the role of AI in society. It brings to light questions about the boundaries of AI and the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between human and artificial voices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you think the voices sound similar?

 

 

Read more:

• https://openai.com/index/how-the-voices-for-chatgpt-were-chosen/
• https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/scarlett-johansson-chatgpt-voice-her-b2548415.html
• ttps://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/openai-pauses-chatgpt-voice-after-sounds-scarlett-johansson-110408636
• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/openai-chatgpt-scarlett-johansson-ai-voice/
• https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/scarlett-johansson-responds-shocked-angered-openai-chatgpt-her-1236011135/

 

Image: Mojahid Mottakin, Starstock | Dreamstime.com