JOHANSSON PLEADS FOR AI LAWS AFTER VIRAL DEEPFAKE; WARNS OF IMMINENT DANGERS AND LOSS OF REALITY
Scarlett Johansson, the renowned actress, is now setting the stage for a more significant role – a fierce advocate for Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety laws. The Hollywood star is leveraging her star power to spur the government into action, calling for legislation to limit the misuse of AI technologies, a danger she has experienced herself first-hand.
Recently, Johansson found herself the victim of a deepfake video that circulated online, a sinister misuse of AI where her face was superimposed onto another individual. Deepfake technology, though not inherently nefarious, is causing alarm as it advances to otherwise undetectable stages, creating opportunities for misinformation, deception, and violation of privacy.
Johansson considers the passing of AI safety laws a "top priority" and equates the misuse of AI as a threat greater than individual instances of hate speech. She states that the potential implications, such as identity theft, defamation, cyberbullying, and political manipulation, are particularly dangerous given the growing pervasiveness and influence of AI technologies.
This isn't the first time Johansson has taken on the mantle against unethical AI usage. Back in 2023, she made headlines for suing an AI app developer for exploiting her name and likeness in an online ad without her permission. Yet, her concerns go beyond individual violations of privacy. She is voicing out for a comprehensive solution, a legislative framework that will govern all forms of AI technologies and their applications.
Attempts to introduce AI safety regulations have so far met with limited success, resulting from a lack of political will or understanding, concerns over hindering innovation, and complexities in defining ethical use across industries. Last year, a bill was introduced targeting sexually explicit deepfakes, a nod towards the acknowledgment of proliferation and misuse of deepfakes. However, broader AI regulation lags behind the technology’s evolution.
Notably, both the US and UK declined to sign an international AI declaration advocating for the ethical use of AI, indicating the international divide on this important issue. The reluctance to align with global expectations illustrates the immense challenges in establishing globalized norms and laws for emerging technologies.
As Johansson continues to amplify her call for AI safety laws, she also underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. Fundamentally, she highlights the urgency to act now, rather than waiting for AI technology to wreak havoc. Taking the necessary action, she emphasizes, is a proactive approach to shaping a safer future.
Johansson's advocacy puts a spotlight on a critical conversation that the world must have. As AI technology continues to advance unabated, it is essential that regulations keep pace in order to protect individuals and society as a whole. The argument Johansson is making is one for public safety and security, and whether or not the tide can turn is yet to be seen. However, it's clear that her voice represents a growing movement demanding that our future, in the age of AI, must first and foremost be humane.