In a significant development in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against an AI app for unauthorized use of her name and likeness in an online advertisement.
The Incident
The app in question, known as Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar, posted a 22-second video on the internet, falsely implying that Johansson was endorsing it. The ad featured real footage of Johansson, which was then transitioned into AI-generated images resembling her. A voice imitating Johansson was used to promote the app.
Despite including a disclaimer stating that the images were produced by Lisa AI and had no connection to Scarlett Johansson, the ad has sparked controversy and led to legal action.
Legal Action
Johansson’s representatives have confirmed that she has no association with the app. Her lawyer, Kevin Yorn, has taken legal action against the app. The ad has since been taken down.
This incident highlights the importance of privacy laws that allow individuals to sue for unauthorized use of their name, voice, image, or likeness for advertising purposes. While some celebrities pursue legal action in such cases, many are resolved with cease and desist orders.
Broader Implications
This is not an isolated incident. Recently, Tom Hanks also had to warn his fans about an AI-generated video featuring him in a dental plan ad. He emphasized that he had no involvement in it.
As AI technology continues to advance and become more accessible, it is likely that similar cases will arise in the future. This underscores the need for stringent regulations and ethical guidelines to prevent such misuse of AI.
