TECHNOLOGY

Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out Against AI Misuse

Wed Feb 12 2025
Scarlett Johansson, a well-known actress, has recently spoken out against the misuse of artificial intelligence. She was prompted to do so after a fake video featuring her and other celebrities surfaced online. This video, created by an Israeli AI expert, showed these celebrities condemning Kanye West's antisemitic remarks. The video was a response to West's controversial actions, which included selling swastika shirts and making hateful comments on social media. Johansson, who is Jewish, strongly condemned the video. She emphasized that while she opposes antisemitism, she is more concerned about the potential dangers of AI. She believes that AI can amplify hate speech and misinformation, making it a significant threat to society. Johansson urged the U. S. government to take action and pass legislation to regulate AI use. This isn't the first time Johansson has been a victim of AI misuse. Last year, she spoke out against a ChatGPT voice that sounded eerily similar to her. The voice was created by Sam Altman's OpenAI after Johansson declined an offer to use her voice for the technology. The voice was eventually removed. The fake video featuring Johansson and other celebrities was shared online after Kanye West sparked outrage with his antisemitic behavior. He was criticized for trying to sell swastika shirts on his Yeezy website and for his hateful comments on social media. The video, which was set to the tune of the Jewish folk song "Hava Nagila, " featured celebrities like Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, and Mark Zuckerberg. It ended with an AI-generated Adam Sandler giving the middle finger and the message "Enough Is Enough. " The actual David Schwimmer also spoke out against West, criticizing his antisemitic behavior and the lack of outrage from the public. West's actions led to him being dropped by his talent agency and his Yeezy store being removed from Shopify. The Anti-Defamation League also condemned West's behavior, stating that there is no excuse for his actions. Johansson's call to action highlights the growing concern about AI misuse. As AI technology continues to advance, it is important to consider the potential dangers it poses to society. Johansson's experience serves as a reminder of the need for regulation and oversight in the use of AI.

questions

    Is the creation of AI-generated deepfakes part of a larger agenda to control public opinion?
    How can individuals verify the authenticity of online content in an era of advanced AI?
    How can the public be better protected from the harmful effects of AI-generated misinformation?

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