Scarlett Johansson Calls for AI Regulation After Deepfake Controversy
Actor Scarlett Johansson is sounding the alarm on the urgent need for lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Her call comes in the wake of a disturbing incident where her likeness was used without her consent in a viral deepfake video, which falsely depicts a group of celebrities protesting rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.
The Viral Incident
The controversial video has been making the rounds on social media platforms like X and Instagram, showcasing manipulated footage of well-known figures, including Johansson, rapper Drake, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and comedian Adam Sandler. In the video, these celebrities wear T-shirts featuring the Star of David alongside a hand making a middle finger gesture, with the word “KANYE” inscribed below. It wraps up with a provocative call to action: “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.”
The video gained traction particularly after Ye started selling swastika T-shirts on his clothing website, promoting them in a Super Bowl advertisement. Amid mounting criticism for his antisemitic comments, including self-identifying as a Nazi, Ye’s social media account was deactivated last week. As of Tuesday morning, his online store was also taken down by e-commerce platform Shopify for violating its guidelines.
Johansson’s Reaction
In an impassioned statement, Johansson expressed her shock at the misuse of her image: “It has been brought to my attention… that an AI-generated video featuring my likeness… has been circulating online.” She emphasized her strong stance against antisemitism, stating, “As a Jewish woman, I have 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’s concerns echo a growing unease regarding the potential abuse of AI technology, particularly when it comes to misinformation and deepfakes. “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality,” she warned.
The AI Challenge
While the originator of the video remains unknown, it brings to light a critical issue: the ethical implications of AI-generated content. A disclaimer from Instagram noted that the content had been altered using AI, indicating that users should approach it with skepticism. The rise of generative AI has led to many celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Tom Hanks, finding their images used without permission.
In past incidents, Johansson has taken legal steps to protect her likeness. Earlier this year, her attorney demanded that an AI-focused app cease using an AI-generated version of her in its marketing. Furthermore, in May 2022, she expressed shock and anger over OpenAI’s use of a voice that resembled hers, leading the company to pause its use.
The Road Ahead for AI Regulation
Johansson acknowledges that the threat of AI deepfakes doesn’t just affect celebrities—it poses risks for everyone. “I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI, but the truth is that the threat of AI affects each and every one of us,” she said.
Currently, there is no comprehensive legislation in the United States regulating AI. While some states have proposed bills aimed at addressing political deepfakes, a unified approach is lacking. Johansson highlighted this concerning gap: “There is a 1000-foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries have responded to… 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.” She urged the U.S. government to prioritize AI legislation that aims to protect individuals from its misuse, calling it “a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”
As we navigate this landscape filled with rapid technological advancements, the urgency to set clear guidelines for AI’s ethical use cannot be overstated.
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