Scarlett Johansson Advocates for AI Regulation After Viral Deepfake Video

Scarlett Johansson has called for stricter regulations on artificial intelligence following the emergence of a viral deepfake video featuring her and several other celebrities. The video, which depicts Johansson and other prominent figures, including Steven Spielberg and Mark Zuckerberg, expressing opposition to Kanye West, has sparked significant controversy.

In the video, the celebrities are shown wearing T-shirts emblazoned with Kanye West's name, alongside an offensive gesture and a symbol associated with Judaism. It has gained over 31,000 likes on Instagram, raising concerns over the misuse of AI technologies in creating misleading and potentially harmful content.

Johansson expressed her dismay regarding the use of her likeness without permission, stating that she had been informed by friends and family about the video's viral spread in response to West's controversial actions. This incident, which she describes as a misuse of AI regardless of its intended message, highlights the broader implications of AI technologies in society.

She emphasized the urgent need for legislation aimed at curbing the inappropriate use of AI, framing it as a bipartisan issue that significantly impacts the future of humanity. Johansson's previous experiences with AI-related impersonations have made her particularly sensitive to the potential for abuse in this area.

This is not the first instance where Johansson's image has been exploited without consent. In late 2023, she threatened legal action against a company that used a deepfake of her likeness for advertising purposes, which was subsequently removed. Furthermore, in May 2024, she voiced her concerns about a voice reproduction technology that closely resembled her own voice, which was seemingly created without her knowledge or consent. Following legal intervention, the responsible company agreed to take down the AI-generated voice.

Johansson's advocacy for regulation reflects a growing concern among public figures regarding the ethical implications of AI technologies. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated, the potential for misuse increases, prompting calls for comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address these challenges.

In conclusion, the recent events surrounding Scarlett Johansson and the viral deepfake video underscore the urgent need for a dialogue on the ethical use of AI. With celebrities increasingly finding their images and voices manipulated without consent, there is a clear call for action to protect individuals from the adverse effects of such technological advancements.