Scarlett Johansson is calling on lawmakers to do something about realistic generative artificial intelligence after a deepfake video featuring the actress went viral.
In a statement Wednesday, Ms. Johansson lamented what she saw as lackluster regulation surrounding generative AI, arguing that Congress needs to protect more vulnerable U.S. citizens.
“It is terrifying that the U.S. government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI,” the statement reads.
The video that sparked the statement featured Ms. Johansson along with a slew of other Jewish celebrities wearing T-shirts with the word Kanye, a cartoon middle finger and the Star of David. The video was in response to antisemitic comments made by rapper Ye, formerly Kanye West, who returned to X this week.
Ms. Johansson said that while she could sympathize with the message behind the video, the threat that generative AI poses to her and other private citizens is far worse.
“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind,” Ms. Johansson wrote in a statement first provided to People. “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 it. We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging.”
In the statement, Ms. Johansson argued that AI regulation has broad support and that restrictions on the technology would help reduce harm.
This isn’t the first time Ms. Johansson has tangled with generative AI. In 2023, the actress sued a small AI company for using a simulated version of her voice in an ad and accused OpenAI of using her voice as a model for ChatGPT.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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