A fake AI video featuring Scarlett Johansson and other Jewish celebrities has been circulating online, urging action against antisemitism after Kanye West’s recent controversies and his antisemitic comments.
The video gained popularity, prompting Johansson to speak out about its dangers and the broader threat of AI misuse.
THE CONTENT OF THE VIDEO INCLUDING SCARLETT JOHANSSON
According to PEOPLE, the video showed Scarlett Johansson wearing a white t-shirt with an offensive gesture on it.
The t-shirt also included the Star of David and the name “Kanye” in reference to Kanye West whom the video is directed at.
The video then ends with slogans stating “Enough is Enough” and “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.”
WHAT WAS SCARLETT JOHANSSON’S REACTION TO THE VIDEO?
Scarlett Johansson strongly reacted to the video shared by an Instagram user. She wants the government, more specifically US legislators, to start limiting AI.
With the rise of this kind of videos, many saw Johansson’s request as a valid one, especially since the actress faced a similar situation last year when a company used AI to include her in one of their ads.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON’S STATEMENT REGARDING THE FAKE VIDEO
Johansson shared her thoughts with PEOPLE, explaining that the video had been brought to her attention by family and friends. She emphasised the risks posed by AI technology.
In the statement, Johansson said:
“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind. 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, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
JOHANSSON CALLING FOR ACTION
In the rest of the statement, Scarlett Johansson called upon the US government to take action against the rise of AI.
The actress told PEOPLE:
“I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI, but the truth is that the threat of AI affects each and every one of us. There is a 1000-foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded to in a responsible manner. It is terrifying that the US government is paralysed [sic] when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”
Canada and several EU nations have already enacted stricter regulations on AI to prevent misuse, while the US remains behind in addressing the issue.
As the issue of AI misuse continues to escalate, Johansson’s call for legislative action highlights the urgent need for clear regulation in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
OTHER VICTIMS OF THE VIDEO
Scarlett Johansson wasn’t the only victim of this video. It included other celebrities as well.
Some of the celebrities included were Steven Spielberg, Drake, Mark Zuckerberg, Adam Sandler, and Mila Kunis.
THE DANGERS OF DEEPFAKE
This incident highlights the dangers of AI and deepfake. Stanford University has issued a news piece about deepfake where the following is stated:
“In the past few years, artificial intelligence technology has crossed a threshold with the capability to make people look and sound like other people. A “deepfake” is fabricated hyper-realistic digital media, including video, image, and audio content. Not only has this technology created confusion, skepticism, and the spread of misinformation, deepfakes also pose a threat to privacy and security.”
WHY THE VIDEO WAS CRITICISING KANYE WEST?
The video of Scarlett Johansson and the other celebrities was made to criticise West’s recent behavior and comments which were seen by many as antisemitic.
The rapper has made a lot of headlines recently for different reasons including asking Donald Trump to release Diddy.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JOHANSSON’S WORDS?
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