Scarlett Johansson urges govt for AI legislation after Deepfake video goes viral

Scarlett Johansson has urged the government to pass legislation limiting artificial intelligence (AI) use after an AI-generated deepfake video featuring the actress went viral. 

The AI-generated video shows Johansson with a few other Jewish celebrities, including Jerry Seinfeld, Mila Kunis, Jack Black, Drake, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Adam Sandler, wearing a t-shirt with the name “Kanye” and a photo of a middle finger along with the Star of David. Ye (formerly Kanye West) reappeared recently. 

In a statement to People, Johansson spoke out against the misuse of evolving AI and stated: “It is terrifying that the US government is paralysed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”

While highlighting the potential risks posed by AI, Johansson stated: “The potential for hate speech multiplied by A.I. is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it.”

Back in 2023, Johansson raised concerns regarding AI, she sued an AI app developer for misusing her identity in an advertisement and later criticised the ChatGPT manufacturer for utilising a voice similar to hers in the leading AI chatbot, ChatGPT. 

While lawmakers launched a bill to fight sexually explicit deepfakes, expanding AI regulations has lost its pace. In 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom rejected an AI safety bill, and President Donald Trump reversed Joe Biden’s executive order on AI regulations. Meanwhile, the US and UK signed an international AI declaration fostering fair implementation of AI.