Scarlett Johansson urges US government to make 'passing of legislation limiting AI use' a top priority

Actress Scarlett Johansson has issued a public statement urging US legislators to take swift action to regulate artificial intelligence AI technology following the viral circulation of an unauthorized AIgenerated videoThe video which falsely depicts Johansson and other Jewish celebrities opposing rapper Kanye West has sparked a wave of concern over the misuse of AI in manipulating public figures likenesses as per People magazineThe controversial video opens with an AI version of Johansson wearing a white Tshirt with an image of a hand making a middle finger gesture featuring a Star of David and the word Kanye underneathAs per People magazine the video includes AIgenerated depictions of other Jewish celebrities including Drake Jerry Seinfeld Steven Spielberg and Jack BlackIt concludes with a fingerflipping AI version of Adam Sandler while the Jewish folk song Hava Nagila plays in the background followed by the message Enough is Enough and a call to join the fight against antisemitism as per People magazineIn her statement to People magazine Johansson condemned the use of AI to create such videos regardless of the messagingIt has been brought to my attention by family members and friends that an AIgenerated video featuring my likeness in response to an antisemitic view has been circulating online and gaining traction Johansson said adding 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 itThe actress emphasized the broader dangers of AI manipulation saying We must call out the misuse of AI no matter its messaging or we risk losing a hold on realityShe further highlighted that the technologys rapid advancement presents a global threat There is a 1000foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries not including the United States have responded to in a responsible manner she saidIt 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 as per People magazineJohanssons statement calls for urgent action from lawmakers to regulate AI technology 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 she concludedAlthough Kanye Wests name was not mentioned in Johanssons statement the rappers recent actions have been under scrutinyWest made headlines for a controversial Super Bowl ad promoting his nowdeleted website which featured swastikaemblazoned merchandise and references to Nazi symbolsHis actions have led to a severe backlash including the loss of his talent agency representation as per People magazineThis is not the first time Johansson has encountered issues with AI technology In November 2023 she threatened legal action after a company used her likeness without permission in an advertisement which was subsequently removedThe actress also expressed shock in May 2024 when she discovered that her voice was being used by OpenAIs ChatGPT system dubbed Sky without her consentJohanssons public statements come at a time when deepfakes and AIgenerated content are becoming increasingly prevalent raising critical questions about privacy consent and the protection of public figures likenessesIn her previous remarks she emphasized the need for transparency and appropriate legislation to protect individual rights saying I look forward to resolution in the form of transparency and the passage of appropriate legislation to help ensure that individual rights are protected as per People magazineThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever