Scarlett Johansson is intensifying her call for artificial intelligence regulations, warning that improper use poses a major threat to the “immediate future of humanity at large.” The actor is urging US lawmakers to establish clear guardrails after a video featuring her likeness, along with other celebrities, went viral in opposition to rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.
Deepfakes are created using audio and visual samples of real people to create realistic-looking photos and videos, and they’re easier to make and more convincing than ever thanks to AI.
This deepfake video depicted AI-generated images of Jewish celebrities, including Jerry Seinfeld, Drake, Mila Kunis and Adam Sandler, wearing an anti-Kanye West T-shirt displaying the image of a middle finger and a Star of David. It’s unknown as of now who created the video, but it was likely made without any of the stars’ permission.
The deepfake video was a response to West’s recent attempt to sell $20 T-shirts featuring the swastika symbol and a reference to a Nazi salute on his Yeezy website. The rapper purchased a local ad during the Super Bowl to promote the website.
Johansson, who has previously spoken out about AI, said in a statement shared with CNET:
“It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends, that an AI-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemitic 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. We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
The deepfake video surfaced this week as some of the most prominent tech leaders, including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, gathered in Paris for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit to discuss safety guardrails for AI. Many companies and lawmakers continue to grapple with how to regulate AI effectively without stifling innovation.
Johansson isn’t new to speaking out about AI
This isn’t the first time Johansson has emerged as a leading voice for AI guardrails. Earlier this year, OpenAI used a voice strikingly similar to Johansson’s from the film Her for its AI tool, ChatGPT-4o. After her legal team sent letters to OpenAI, the company apologized and temporarily postponed the broader rollout of its advanced audio mode.
In a blog post at the time, OpenAI said the specific voice, which the company called Sky, “was never intended to resemble (Johansson’s).”
“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,” Johansson said in the latest statement.
“There is a 1,000-foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded to in a responsible manner. It is terrifying that the US government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”
She added: “I urge the US 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.”
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