Signal CEO Criticizes OpenAI’s Handling of Scarlett Johansson Controversy

Signal's CEO, Meredith Whittaker, didn't hold back in her criticism of OpenAI's approach to the Scarlett Johansson controversy. In a recent interview with TechCrunch, she described OpenAI's leadership as engaging in "disrespectful" and "unnecessary" behavior that she labeled as "Edge Lord bullshit."

Meredith Whittaker's Strong Words

Whittaker went on to accuse the AI company of fostering a "dorm room" culture, suggesting a lack of professionalism in their actions. She expressed her views on the allegations that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had requested Scarlett Johansson to lend her voice to their AI assistant, only to release a similar voice after Johansson declined.

During the interview, Whittaker didn't mince words, calling the situation "disrespectful" and "unnecessary." She criticized the company's culture, highlighting what she perceived as a lack of seriousness and leadership accountability.

OpenAI's Response

Despite these strong criticisms, OpenAI did not immediately respond to Whittaker's comments when contacted by Business Insider for a statement on the matter. The controversy also spilled over to social media, with Whittaker expressing her opinions on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Whittaker's remarks underscored her belief that the AI industry's decision-making processes often lack professionalism and respect. She emphasized the gap between industry pledges for safety and the actual conduct of companies like OpenAI.

The "Sky" Voice Controversy

The crux of the issue revolves around OpenAI's introduction of the "Sky" artificial intelligence voice, coinciding with the launch of their new GPT-4o language model. Observers quickly noted the resemblance between the Sky voice and Scarlett Johansson's portrayal in the movie "Her" from 2013.

Johansson herself raised concerns, alleging that Altman had approached her previously to voice Sky, which she declined. Altman, on the other hand, stated that the voice did not aim to mimic Johansson's and belonged to a different actress hired by the company. However, Altman's cryptic post on X with the word "her" added to the confusion.

Temporary Pause and Reflection

In response to the backlash, OpenAI announced a temporary halt in using the Sky voice in their products. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges in the AI industry, particularly in managing public perceptions and ethical considerations.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the intersection of technology with popular culture. The clash between creativity, intellectual property, and ethical boundaries remains a prevalent theme in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

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By: ggoodwin@businessinsider.com (Grace Eliza Goodwin)
Title: Signal CEO Criticizes OpenAI’s Handling of Scarlett Johansson Controversy
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/signal-ceo-calls-out-openai-over-scarlett-johansson-controversy-2024-5
Published Date: Fri, 24 May 2024 22:08:13 +0000