Scarlett Johansson is intensifying her call for artificial intelligence regulations, warning that improper use poses a major threat to the “immediate future of humanity at large.” The actress is urging US lawmakers to establish clear guardrails after a video featuring her likeness, along with other celebrities, went viral in opposition to rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.
Deepfakes are created using audio and visual samples of real people to create realistic-looking photos and videos, and they’re easier to make and more convincing than ever thanks to AI.
This deepfake video depicted AI-generated Jewish celebrities, including Jerry Seinfeld, Drake, Mila Kunis and Adam Sandler, wearing an anti-Kanye West t-shirt displaying the image of a middle finger and a Jewish star. It’s unknown as of now who created the video, but it was likely made without any of the stars’ permission.
The deepfake video was a response to West’s recent attempt to sell $20 t-shirts featuring the Swastika symbol and a reference to a Nazi salute on his Yeezy website. The rapper purchased a local ad during the Super Bowl to promote the website.
Johansson, who has previously spoken out about AI, said in a statement shared with CNET:
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