- Content: 
Why Scarlett Johansson Is Calling for Stronger AI Regulations
By Movieguide® Contributor
Scarlett Johansson called for lawmakers to fast track stronger AI regulation after AI-generated videos of her and other Jewish celebrities opposing Kanye West were shared on social media.
The creation and distribution of the video occurred after West went on an anti-semitic tirade last week. Th0ugh Johansson does not oppose the message portrayed in the AI-generated video, she finds it troubling that it can be shared so easily without her, or any of the other actors’, permission.
“It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends, that an AI-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemetic view, has been circulating online and gaining traction. I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind. But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by AI is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it,” Johansson told PEOPLE. “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
Along with Johansson, the video featured AI-generated versions of Adam Sandler, Mila Kunis, Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, Mark Zuckerberg, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jack Black, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller and David Schwimmer calling out West.
“There is a 1000-foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded to in a responsible manner,” she added. “It is terrifying that the U.S. government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI. I urge the U.S. government to make the passing of legislation limiting AI use a top priority; it is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”
This isn’t the first time Johansson has spoken out about the risks of AI after being misrepresented by the technology. Last year she accused OpenAI of copying her voice when releasing a new talking mode for the chatbot. Though the company called the similarities between her voice and the chatbot a coincidence, her accusation became much more credible after she revealed that they had previously asked to use her voice for the chatbot. OpenAI eventually removed the voice after being threatened with legal action.
READ MORE: SCARLETT JOHANSSON CLAIMS OPENAI COPIED HER VOICE WITHOUT CONSENT
As for AI regulation, while still the sitting president, Joe Biden signed an executive order to fight against using the tech to create and disseminate AI deep fakes or other misuses of the technology. While this was a good first step, because it is not an official law, it can be easily overturned at any time.
READ MORE: JOE BIDEN SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO INCREASE AI REGULATION
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +4