Scarlett Johansson Takes Legal Action Against AI App for Cloning Her Voice in Ad

Scarlett Johansson, the acclaimed actress, has initiated legal action against an AI app developer for featuring her name and voice in an online advertisement without her consent. The app in question, called Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar, promoted an AI image editor and even showcased an AI-generated version of Johansson's voice.

Unauthorized Use of Johansson's Likeness

As reported by Variety, the 22-second ad displayed Johansson behind the scenes while filming "Black Widow." In the clip, she is heard saying, "What's up guys? It's Scarlett, and I want you to come with me." However, the ad then shifts its focus away from Johansson and introduces an AI-generated voice, aiming to mimic the actress, which states, "It's not limited to avatars only. You can also create images with texts and even your AI videos. I think you shouldn't miss it." The ad included a small disclaimer at the bottom, noting that the images were produced by Lisa AI and had no connection with the real person, Scarlett Johansson.

Legal Action and Consequences

Representatives for Scarlett Johansson clarified that she was never a spokesperson for the app, and her attorney, Kevin Yorn, is handling the situation from a legal standpoint. Yorn emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating, "We do not take these things lightly. Per our usual course of action in these circumstances, we will deal with it with all legal remedies that we will have."

It's a significant development as unauthorized use of celebrities' names and likenesses in AI-generated content has become a growing concern. With the increasing accessibility of AI technology, cases similar to this one are likely to become more common. Musicians have also grappled with voice-cloning, enabling AI to mimic famous artists, potentially leading to misleading content and unauthorized promotions.

Privacy Rights and Legal Framework

Various states, including California, have stringent laws concerning the right to privacy, providing civil claims for the unauthorized use of a person's "name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness" for advertising or promotional purposes. While some famous individuals opt to bring legal action to set a precedent, most cases of this nature are resolved through cease and desist demands.

Scarlett Johansson's case is not an isolated incident, as several actors and public figures have faced issues involving the unauthorized use and manipulation of their name and likeness for promotional purposes. The implications of such cases reach beyond the individual actors and highlight the broader challenges surrounding AI-generated content and the protection of personal rights.

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