The world of Artificial Intelligence is buzzing with a new controversy surrounding OpenAI’s latest development – the voice technology codenamed “Sky.” Researchers have discovered that Sky’s voice bears an uncanny resemblance to the Hollywood A-lister Scarlett Johansson, sparking concerns about potential copyright issues and the ethical use of voice data.

Is it Scarlett Johansson or Not? Researchers Confirm Similarities

A recent study by National Public Radio (NPR) compared Sky’s voice to samples from over 600 actors. The results were startling – Sky’s voice was found to be more similar to Scarlett Johansson’s than a whopping 98% of the other actors analyzed. While lead researcher Visar Berisha from Arizona State University clarified that “the two voices are similar but likely not identical,” he acknowledged the undeniable resemblance.

Interestingly, the study also revealed some subtle differences. Sky’s voice has a slightly higher pitch, is breathier, and exhibits a wider range of emotions compared to Johansson’s usual speaking tone. In some instances, researchers even detected hints of voices similar to Anne Hathaway or Keri Russell. However, the overall impression remained firmly in Johansson territory, with a striking similarity in the underlying vocal characteristics.

OpenAI Responds Amidst Industry Concerns

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman attempted to quell the controversy at a recent conference, stating firmly that “It’s not her voice. It’s not supposed to be.” He further apologized for any confusion caused. However, some social media posts by Altman during the GPT-4o launch, which simply stated “her,” only fueled further speculation.

Adding to the intrigue, OpenAI’s CTO, Mira Murati, confessed she hadn’t noticed the resemblance until it was pointed out publicly. This raises questions about the level of oversight within OpenAI regarding such a sensitive issue.

The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has already begun taking proactive measures. They have recently revised their contracts to explicitly state that only human actors can be credited as “voice actors” in animated projects. This move reflects the growing concern about the potential impact of AI voice technology on voice acting jobs.

Scarlett Johansson’s Reported Upset and the Need for Regulations

According to reports, Scarlett Johansson herself is quite distressed by the uncanny resemblance between Sky’s voice and her own. This is further amplified by the fact that OpenAI reportedly approached her to use her voice for the GPT-4o project, which she declined. A source close to Johansson, her skincare brand co-founder, revealed that she is very selective about who gets to use her voice. This incident likely comes as a significant intrusion for the actress.

The controversy surrounding Sky highlights the urgent need for clear regulations regarding the use of voice data in AI technology. While companies like Apple are exploring this technology for potentially positive applications like voice preservation for those who lose the ability to speak, the Sky situation underscores the importance of exercising caution. Developing proper rules and safeguards will be crucial to prevent misuse and ensure the protection of everyone’s rights in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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