Scarlett Johansson Advocates for New AI Regulations Following Widespread Availability of Deceptive Video Portraying Her
Scarlett Johansson is expressing concerns about AI misuse after appearing in a controversial viral video. The video, which features prominent celebrities including Johansson, Drake, Natalie Portman, Steven Speilberg, Sam Altman, and Woody Allen, uses AI to depict them all with a Star of David and a raised middle finger, targeting Kanye West. The video emerged following West's Super Bowl stunt, where he bought ad space to promote a barriers-free white T-shirt with a swastika, which Shopify quickly pulled.
The video may appear authentic at first glance, but closer inspection reveals AI-generated inconsistencies. Johansson expressed disappointment, stating that the misuse of AI for hate speech is a significant threat that warrants government intervention. She's previously been a victim of AI misuse and believes the U.S. government is ignoring the issue, which she views as a major concern for humanity.
Johansson starred as an advanced AI chatbot in the 2013 film Her. Sam Altman, who was obsessed with using her voice for ChatGPT, approached her for the role, but she declined. After OpenAI released its ChatGPT model with a similar voice, Johansson sued.
The AI-generated video is a creation of Ori Bejerano, a self-proclaimed Generative AI Expert based in Tel Aviv. While Bejerano's Instagram is filled with AI experimentation, some of his posts are controversial, like imagining a world where Donald Trump turns Gaza into Disneyland. The video remains available as of now, and Bejerano is celebrating its viral success.
Regulating AI misuse and hate speech requires legislation. Measures include risk-based regulation, transparency and disclosure, impact assessments, protection against discrimination, public corporate disclosure, enforcement, and international cooperation. Legislation like the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act, Massachusetts’ Proposed Legislation, New Mexico’s Proposed Legislation, and Illinois’ House Bill 3773 can help guide the development and use of AI to prevent misuse.
The misuse of artificial-intelligence in generating hate speech, as seen in the controversial video, highlights the need for future legislation in tech legislation. Johansson, having experienced AI misuse herself, emphasizes the importance of government intervention in regulating technology to safeguard humanity's future.