Scarlett Johansson, known for her iconic roles in Hollywood, recently made headlines for speaking out against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of a deepfake video. The video, which targeted Kanye West over his antisemitic remarks, featured fake likenesses of several prominent Jewish celebrities, including Drake, Steven Spielberg, and Adam Sandler, all wearing a T-shirt with a controversial message.
Johansson, a Jewish woman herself, expressed her strong disapproval of the video in a statement shared with People. She emphasized her zero tolerance for antisemitism and hate speech, but her main concern was the misuse of AI technology, regardless of its message. According to Johansson, the potential for spreading hate speech through AI poses a significant threat to society, far beyond the actions of any individual.
The creators of the controversial clip, Ori Bejerano and Guy Bar, did not seek permission from any of the celebrities featured in the video. Bejerano, a self-proclaimed Generative AI Expert from Tel Aviv, and Bar, the founder of an AI tech hub known as Elevaitor, have yet to receive any feedback from the celebrities or their representatives.
Johansson also highlighted her past experiences as a victim of AI manipulation, referencing an incident where her voice was used without consent by OpenAI for ChatGPT 4.0. She revealed that she had declined a previous offer from ChatGPT to use her voice, underscoring the importance of protecting individuals from AI exploitation.
Expressing concern over the lack of legislative action in the United States to regulate AI technology, Johansson called on the government to prioritize the passing of laws that would limit the use of AI. She warned of the impending dangers posed by AI and urged lawmakers to address this issue urgently, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the problem and its potential impact on humanity.
Expert Insights on AI Misuse
The misuse of AI technology, particularly in the creation of deepfake videos, has raised ethical concerns and sparked debates on the need for stricter regulations. As AI continues to advance rapidly, experts warn of the potential dangers posed by its misuse and emphasize the importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights and privacy.
Dr. Emily Chen, a leading AI ethicist and researcher, underscored the need for comprehensive guidelines to govern the ethical use of AI. She emphasized the responsibility of tech companies and developers to prioritize ethical considerations in AI development and deployment, pointing to the growing risks associated with unchecked AI manipulation.
According to Dr. Chen, the case of Scarlett Johansson and other celebrities targeted in deepfake videos highlights the urgent need for legal frameworks that protect individuals from AI exploitation. She called for greater transparency and accountability in AI practices to prevent the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and other harmful content.
As the debate on AI ethics and regulation continues to evolve, experts like Dr. Chen stress the importance of collaborative efforts between governments, tech industry leaders, and civil society to address the challenges posed by AI technology responsibly.
In conclusion, Scarlett Johansson’s public condemnation of the misuse of AI in deepfake videos serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical dilemmas and potential risks associated with AI technology. Her call for legislative action to regulate AI stands as a clarion call for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize the protection of individuals’ rights and privacy in the digital age. The intersection of AI, ethics, and human rights remains a critical issue that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to ensure a safe and ethical AI future.
