OpenAI suspends ChatGPT voice Sky amid voice mimicry controversy

OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence company, has made the decision to suspend its ChatGPT voice named Sky following accusations of closely resembling actress Scarlett Johansson's voice from the movie 'Her.' This move comes after Scarlett Johansson declined an offer to provide her voice for ChatGPT 4.0, only to discover that a similar voice, Sky, had been released without her consent.

Scarlett Johansson expressed surprise upon hearing Sky's voice, which she believed bore a striking resemblance to her own. OpenAI, in response to the controversy, has taken steps to pause the use of Sky while they investigate the matter further.

OpenAI clarified that their AI voices are developed in collaboration with voice actors to ensure fair compensation and that Sky's voice actually belongs to a different actress using her natural speaking voice. The company emphasized that AI voices should not intentionally mimic celebrities.

The introduction of OpenAI's GPT-4o model, allowing users to engage in lifelike conversations with ChatGPT, sparked the controversy. CEO Sam Altman praised the movie 'Her' for its portrayal of AI-human interactions and the advancements in AI technology it showcased.

As OpenAI navigates this issue, the future of voice mimicry in AI remains uncertain. The company is committed to addressing these challenges while pushing forward with innovations in artificial intelligence.

The suspension of ChatGPT voice Sky highlights the complexities of AI development and the importance of ethical considerations in creating AI voices. OpenAI's response to the voice mimicry allegations underscores the need for transparency and collaboration with industry professionals. Moving forward, it will be crucial for companies like OpenAI to prioritize ethical practices in AI development to build trust and ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence.