Actress Scarlett Johansson has publicly called on U.S. lawmakers to swiftly implement regulations governing artificial intelligence (AI) after an unauthorized AI-generated video featuring her likeness went viral. The video depicted Johansson and other Jewish celebrities appearing to condemn rapper Kanye West for his antisemitic remarks.
In the AI-generated video, Johansson is shown wearing a white T-shirt displaying a hand making an offensive gesture, accompanied by a Star of David and the word “Kanye” beneath it. The video also includes AI-generated images of other Jewish celebrities, such as Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, and Jack Black, all seemingly participating in the same condemnation. The video concludes with an AI-generated portrayal of Adam Sandler making a similar gesture, set to the Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila,” followed by the message “Enough is Enough” and a call to join the fight against antisemitism.
In response, Johansson, who is Jewish and staunchly opposes antisemitism, expressed deep concern over the misuse of AI technology. She emphasized that while she has zero tolerance for hate speech, the potential for AI to amplify such content poses a far greater threat than any individual accountable for it. Johansson stated, “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
Johansson highlighted the rapid advancement of AI technology and the global threat it presents. She noted that several progressive countries have responded responsibly to this challenge, whereas the U.S. government remains paralyzed in passing legislation to protect its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI. She urged the U.S. government to prioritize the enactment of laws limiting AI use, emphasizing that it is a bipartisan issue that significantly affects the immediate future of humanity.
This incident is not Johansson’s first encounter with AI misuse. She has previously addressed unauthorized uses of her likeness and voice, including legal actions against AI app developers and organizations that replicated her voice without consent. These experiences have made her a vocal advocate for stricter AI regulations.
The controversy surrounding Kanye West stems from his recent actions, including attempts to sell merchandise featuring swastikas and posting hateful content on social media. These actions have led to widespread backlash, including the loss of his talent agency representation and condemnation from various public figures and organizations.
Johansson’s call to action underscores the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to address the ethical and societal implications of AI. As AI technology continues to evolve, the potential for misuse, particularly in creating and disseminating false or harmful content, poses significant challenges. Johansson’s advocacy highlights the importance of proactive measures to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, safeguarding individuals’ rights and maintaining societal trust.
In conclusion, Scarlett Johansson’s recent experience with an unauthorized AI-generated video has prompted her to call for immediate government action to regulate AI technology. Her stance reflects a growing concern about the ethical use of AI and the need for legislation to prevent its misuse, particularly in ways that can harm individuals and spread misinformation.
