Morgan Freeman recently expressed his gratitude to fans for alerting him about the unauthorized use of his voice through artificial intelligence (AI). The 87-year-old Oscar-winning actor, known for his iconic roles in films like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” and “Million Dollar Baby,” is among several Hollywood stars whose voices have been replicated by AI technology.
Freeman took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to address the issue. He wrote, “Thank you to my incredible fans for your vigilance and support in calling out the unauthorized use of an A.I. voice imitating me. Your dedication helps authenticity and integrity remain paramount. Grateful. #AI #scam #imitation #IdentityProtection.”
The actor’s post did not specify the exact incident that prompted his response. However, there have been reports of a TikTok influencer recreating Freeman’s voice using AI technology, humorously claiming to be his niece. Additionally, a deepfake artist generated an AI video of Freeman in 2022.
Freeman’s voice is widely recognized, having narrated numerous documentaries, including the Oscar-winning “March Of The Penguins” and more recent nature programs like “Life On Our Planet” and “Our Universe.” His voice has also been featured in various advertisements, making it a prime target for AI replication.
The issue of AI-generated voices has also affected other celebrities. Earlier this year, Scarlett Johansson expressed her shock and anger over how “eerily similar” one of the voices in ChatGPT sounded to hers. In response, OpenAI announced it would “pause” the use of the voice after it drew comparisons to Johansson. The actress revealed that OpenAI “reluctantly” agreed to take down the voice after her lawyers contacted the company’s CEO, Sam Altman, to inquire about the process used to create it. OpenAI, however, dismissed the accusation, stating that the voice belonged to a different professional actress using her natural speaking voice.
In another incident, social media platform X had to temporarily block searches related to Taylor Swift after fake, AI-generated explicit images of the pop star were posted on the site.
The unauthorized use of AI to replicate voices and images of celebrities raises significant ethical and legal questions. For actors like Freeman and Johansson, whose voices are integral to their brand and identity, the misuse of AI technology poses a threat to their professional integrity and personal privacy.
Freeman’s public denouncement of the AI “scam” highlights the growing concern among celebrities about the misuse of their likenesses. As AI technology continues to advance, the entertainment industry faces new challenges in protecting the identities and intellectual property of its stars.
The issue also underscores the importance of vigilance and support from fans in calling out unauthorized uses of AI-generated content. Freeman’s gratitude towards his fans for their dedication to maintaining authenticity and integrity serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to combat the misuse of AI technology.
As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for both the public and private sectors to establish clear guidelines and regulations to prevent the unauthorized use of AI-generated content. This includes implementing measures to protect the identities and intellectual property of individuals, particularly those in the public eye.
In the meantime, celebrities like Morgan Freeman and Scarlett Johansson are taking proactive steps to address the issue, using their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for stronger protections against the misuse of AI technology. Their efforts, combined with the support of vigilant fans, are essential in ensuring that authenticity and integrity remain paramount in the age of artificial intelligence.
Source: The Independent, The Guardian
