Scarlett Johansson has sharply criticized the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology after her likeness was used without consent in a viral video aimed at condemning Kanye West’s antisemitic stances.
The AI-generated clip features notable celebrities such as Johansson, Ben Stiller, Mila Kunis, and Steven Spielberg wearing white T-shirts featuring the Star of David inside a hand extended with the middle finger above West’s name.
The video concludes with an AI-generated Adam Sandler flipping the bird at the camera, accompanied by the message: “Enough is enough. Join the fight to end antisemitism.”
However, Johansson has publicly expressed concern about the misuse of AI technology, issuing a statement regarding her objections:
“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or any form of hate speech,” Johansson declared.
She further emphasized her views: “But I firmly believe that the threat of AI-generated hate speech is far more dangerous than the actions of any single individual. We must call out the misuse of AI, regardless of the message it conveys, to prevent losing our grip on reality.”
Johansson noted her own experience with unauthorized AI use, while also highlighting the broader threat to all individuals:
“The threat of AI misuse affects everyone, not just me,” she stressed.
Johansson went on to criticize the U.S. government’s response to AI regulation:
“Several progressive countries have taken responsible steps to address the dangers of AI,” she pointed out. “It is alarming that the U.S. government has failed to enact legislation that protects its citizens against the looming risks posed by AI technology.”
The actress urged the U.S. government to take immediate action:
“I urge the U.S. government to prioritize passing legislation that limits the use of AI. This is a bipartisan issue that has significant implications for the future of humanity.”
Kanye West. Pic: AP
Controversy Surrounding Swastika T-Shirts
This incident has unfolded amid a broader controversy involving Kanye West’s promotion of antisemitic merchandise and rhetoric.
West sparked outrage by selling a T-shirt featuring a swastika on his website, yeez.com, alongside a code that the Anti-Defamation League (ADF) identified as “HH-01,” a supposed coding for “Heil Hitler.”
The ADF condemned the T-shirt as “further proof” of West’s antisemitism, and subsequently, the e-commerce platform Spotify removed the listing from West’s shop on the platform.
The T-shirt was the sole listing on West’s website
Spotify’s spokesperson stated in an emailed statement: “All merchants must adhere to our platform’s rules. This merchant did not comply, and we removed them from Shopify.”
yeez.com was taken offline by Shopify, the e-commerce platform hosting his shop
Antisemitic Online Posts
In recent weeks, West posted numerous antisemitic messages on social media platform X, including statements like “I love Hitler” and “I’m a Nazi.”
West’s X account received a “sensitive content warning” before the artist deactivated it on Monday.
West’s spokesperson, Milo Yiannopoulos, provided a statement: “Ye is an intergenerational artist and icon who continues to redefine the limits of creativity and free expression. He has deactivated his X account for the time being.”
The filmmaker also found support among his peers:
Friends star David Schwimmer, who appears in the AI video, joined the Campaign Against Antisemitism in calling for Elon Musk to remove West from X.
This campaign reflects the broader frustration with West’s actions and highlights the ongoing struggle against hate speech in the digital age.
The Scarlett Johansson incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical implications of AI technology and raises questions about how society can balance technological advancements with ethical considerations and personal rights.
As AI continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive regulations and a responsible usage framework becomes increasingly critical.
This case not only underscores the serious threats posed by AI misuse but also spotlights the importance of holding both individuals and corporations accountable for their actions in the digital sphere.
The controversy surrounding Scarlett Johansson and Kanye West highlights the urgent need for legislative action and public awareness about the responsible use of AI.
In conclusion, the misuse of AI in this case not only affects the individuals whose likenesses were exploited but also poses a significant threat to the collective well-being of society.
Let us hope that as technology advances, so too does our understanding of how to harness its power responsibly and ethically.
For more insights and updates, stay tuned to Archynetys.
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