J'Accuse...! - Dreyfus

Written By Kevin Bihan-Poudec

Scarlett Johansson says she was “socked, angered” when she heard OpenAI’s voice that sounded like her

Joe Biden Urges “Trustworthy” AI-Generated Audio; Statement Comes A Day After Scarlett Johansson Called Out OpenAI Over Use Of “Her”-Like Voice

In an era where technology is rapidly evolving and shaping our lives, the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its implementation have become paramount. The recent controversy involving Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI underscores the urgent need for responsible use of AI-generated content and highlights broader issues of accountability and transparency in the tech industry.

The Incident

Recently, Scarlett Johansson expressed her shock and anger when she discovered that OpenAI's ChatGPT had generated a voice strikingly similar to hers without her permission. This revelation came after her husband hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which she attended. This incident has ignited a firestorm of debate about the ethical use of AI-generated audio and the responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding individual rights.

Presidential Acknowledgment

President Joe Biden has publicly committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence and the companies that develop it adhere to principles of safety, security, trustworthiness, and responsible innovation. In a recent statement, he emphasized the need for AI companies to earn public trust and join in the commitment to ethical practices. This stance is crucial, given the transformative potential of AI on a global scale.

@POTUS: Artificial intelligence and the companies that wield its possibilities are going to transform the lives of people around the world – there's no doubt about that. But first, they must earn our trust. I commit to do everything in my power to promote and demand safe, secure, trustworthy, and responsible innovation – that includes the use of AI-generated audio. I ask that AI companies join me in that commitment.

The Censorship Issue

However, the commitment to ethical AI practices seems to be selective. As highlighted in a recent comment on the President’s social media post, there are concerns about censorship faced by individuals predicting the adverse effects of AI on the job market. Specifically, a prediction about the number of tech workers who could lose their jobs due to AI led to the censorship of information on an individual’s account by OpenAI. This raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of AI companies in handling dissenting views and predictions that may not align with their interests.

The Broader Implications

Kevin: What about making sure that AI and Automation doesn't displace workers like fast-food workers, tech workers or customer service agents which are the most impacted. Ex-data analyst with a 10-year career unable to reenter the tech sector in 6 months due to the unchecked implementation of AI by very profitable private tech companies.

The ethical considerations surrounding AI are not just about the misuse of someone's likeness or voice. They extend to the potential displacement of millions of workers across various sectors. For instance, fast-food workers, tech employees, and customer service agents are among the most impacted by automation and AI. The unchecked implementation of AI by profitable private tech companies has led to significant job losses and career disruptions, as evidenced by the personal account of a former data analyst with a decade-long career who has been unable to reenter the tech sector for six months due to these very issues.

A Call for Action

@GuardiansOfAI I understand the importance of being committed to the responsible use of AI-generated content, and I know that @POTUS is aware of the ongoing use of a voice similar to Scarlett Johansson’s by OpenAI, especially since Scarlett attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which her husband hosted. However, what about the censorship my account has faced by OpenAI regarding a prediction of how many tech workers could lose their jobs due to AI? Will you do anything about that?

The outcry over Scarlett Johansson's similar voice being used without her permission and the censorship faced by individuals highlighting the negative impacts of AI on the workforce should serve as a wake-up call. It is imperative that we demand greater accountability and transparency from AI companies. The ethical use of AI must include respecting individuals' rights, addressing the potential for job displacement, and fostering an open dialogue about the societal impacts of these technologies.

Conclusion

@GuardiansOfAI President @POTUS addresses AI ethics after Scarlett Johansson's voice is used without permission. But what about the thousands of Americans losing jobs daily to AI? We need accountability and action now!

As we stand at the cusp of a technological revolution, the call for ethical AI practices has never been more urgent. The incident involving Scarlett Johansson is a microcosm of the larger issues at play. It is a call to action for all stakeholders—governments, tech companies, and the public—to ensure that the deployment of AI is done responsibly, transparently, and ethically. Only then can we truly harness the transformative power of AI for the greater good, without sacrificing the rights and livelihoods of individuals.

In the spirit of Emile Zola’s famous “J'Accuse...!,” let this be a rallying cry for justice and ethical responsibility in the age of AI.

Voice for Change Foundation: Advocating for Ethical AI and Job Preservation. Join us at VoiceForChangeFoundation.org for more information and to support our cause.

Kevin Bihan-Poudec
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