Scarlett Johansson Calls for Stronger AI Regulations

Scarlett Johansson is advocating for more stringent regulations on artificial intelligence after a deepfake video featuring her likeness surfaced online. In a statement provided to People, the actress expressed her concern, stating that it is “terrifying” that the US government has yet to take action to safeguard citizens from the possible threats posed by AI.

Deepfake Video Sparks Outrage

The controversial video includes an AI-generated version of Johansson alongside other prominent Jewish celebrities, including Jerry Seinfeld, Mila Kunis, Jack Black, Drake, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Adam Sandler. They can be seen wearing a T-shirt featuring the name “Kanye” and an image depicting a middle finger encapsulated with the Star of David. This video appears to be a response to Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), who has recently re-emerged on X (formerly Twitter) and made antisemitic comments. Ye had also been selling shirts that displayed a swastika on his website, which has now been removed.

Johansson’s Stance on Antisemitism

Johansson remarked that she is a Jewish woman with an unwavering stance against antisemitism or hate speech in any form. Nonetheless, she highlighted that AI-fuelled hate speech represents a more significant danger than any individual person. She emphasised the need to expose the misuse of AI regardless of its content, warning that failing to do so could lead to a distortion of reality. Johansson urged legislators to prioritise the establishment of AI regulations, stressing that the matter affects “the immediate future of humanity at large” and requires a bipartisan approach.

Ongoing Advocacy Against AI Misuse

Johansson has been an outspoken critic of AI misuse for several years. In 2023, she took legal action against an AI app developer for using her likeness in an online advertisement without her consent. Additionally, she confronted OpenAI after a voice generation model mimicking her voice was used, resulting in the company’s decision to withdraw the feature.

Slow Legislative Progress in AI Regulation

Despite growing apprehensions regarding AI misuse, US lawmakers have been sluggish in passing laws related to artificial intelligence. A bill aimed at addressing sexually explicit deepfakes was introduced last year, yet wider AI regulations are still stalled. In 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a significant AI safety bill, while President Donald Trump revoked Joe Biden’s executive order concerning AI safety guidelines.

International Regulatory Challenges

Global initiatives to regulate AI are also encountering obstacles. Recently, both the US and the UK opted not to endorse a worldwide declaration aimed at promoting ethical practices in AI utilisation.