OpenAI Pauses AI Voice Resembling Scarlett Johansson Amid Controversy

OpenAI, the leading AI research organization, has made the decision to suspend the usage of one of its AI chatbot voices, known as Sky, due to its resemblance to Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson.

Amid the recent launch of the GPT-4o model, Sky prominently featured its voice.

In an official statement released via a blog post, OpenAI clarified its stance, asserting that while Sky’s voice shares similarities with Johansson’s, it is not an intentional imitation.

The company emphasized its commitment to ethical AI development. They stated that AI voices should not aim to mimic the distinctiveness of celebrities.

“To protect their privacy, we cannot share the names of our voice talents,” OpenAI mentioned, highlighting the confidentiality surrounding the identities of the voice actors involved.

Scarlett Johansson herself addressed the matter. She revealed that OpenAI had approached her in September regarding supplying her voice for the ChatGPT 4.0 system.

Despite the offer, Johansson declined citing personal reasons. She expressed shock, indicating that the resemblance was unexpected.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, responded to Johansson’s concerns, affirming that Sky’s voice was not intended to mirror hers.

The company reiterated its commitment to respecting privacy and individuality in voice synthesis.

OpenAI first introduced voice capabilities in September 2023 to enhance user interaction with the ChatGPT platform. The company collaborated with voice actors to create diverse options for users.

The recent demonstration of the GPT-4o model showcased advancements in AI conversational abilities. This marks a significant step forward in natural language processing technology.

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