Scarlett Johansson, the famous actress, has filed a lawsuit against an AI image app for using her likeness and voice in an advertisement without her permission. The app, called Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar, allows users to create images of themselves in different styles, including the 1990s yearbook style. In one of its advertisements, the app used an AI-generated image of Johansson and her voice to promote its services.
Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against an AI image-generating app that used AI creations of her likeness & voice in an ad without her permission.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 1, 2023
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Scarlett Johansson Sues AI Image App
Johansson’s lawsuit alleges that the app’s use of her likeness and voice is a violation of her right to publicity. The right to publicity is a legal right that protects people from having their names, images, or voices used without their permission. Johansson argues that the app’s use of her likeness and voice is false and misleading, and that it is damaging to her reputation.
The lawsuit also alleges that the app’s use of Johansson’s likeness and voice is a form of trademark infringement. Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use of a trademark, which is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies the source of goods or services. Johansson argues that her name, image, and voice are trademarks that identify her as a celebrity.
The app’s developers have denied any wrongdoing. They have argued that their use of Johansson’s likeness and voice is protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech. They have also argued that their use of Johansson’s likeness and voice is fair use, which is a legal doctrine that allows for the limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have a significant impact on the development of AI image-generating apps. If Johansson is successful, it could make it more difficult for these apps to use the likenesses of celebrities and other public figures without their permission. This could have a chilling effect on the creativity and innovation of these apps.
However, if the app’s developers are successful, it could set a precedent that allows AI image-generating apps to use the likenesses of celebrities and other public figures without their permission. This could have a negative impact on the privacy and reputation of these individuals.
Only time will tell how this lawsuit will be resolved. However, it is a case that is worth watching, as it could have a significant impact on the future of AI image-generating apps.
this case also raises some important ethical questions. For example, should AI image-generating apps be allowed to use the likenesses of celebrities and other public figures without their permission? What are the implications for privacy and reputation? And how should we balance the right to freedom of speech with the right to publicity?
These are complex questions that do not have easy answers. However, the Johansson lawsuit is an important opportunity to discuss these issues and to develop ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI image-generating apps.
