Scarlett Johansson and Fellow Stars Speak Out Against AI Companies in Direct Open Letter
Scarlett Johansson Joins Industry Leaders in Fight Against AI Copyright Infringement
Scarlett Johansson has united with 700 industry professionals in a call for tech companies to cease the unauthorized use of copyrighted artistic work to train artificial intelligence models. This initiative is part of the "Stealing Isn’t Innovation" movement organized by the Human Artistry Campaign.
Johansson’s participation highlights a growing concern among creatives about the ethical implications of AI. She stands alongside notable figures such as Cate Blanchett and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who are also vocal supporters of this cause. The coalition has accused unnamed tech giants of "theft" and is urging these companies to pursue "ethical" partnerships when accessing artistic content.
This coordinated response represents a significant backlash against perceived AI exploitation from the Hollywood community. Other supporters include Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, Olivia Munn of Your Friends and Neighbors, and various music artists, including MGMT. The New York Times has featured advertisements promoting the campaign.
A dedicated website outlines the full list of signatories and emphasizes the importance of the creative industry in generating jobs and economic growth. A statement on the site reads, “America’s creative community is the envy of the world… But rather than respect and protect this valuable asset, some of the biggest tech companies… are using American creators’ work to build AI platforms without authorization.”
The message from these artists, writers, and creators is clear: “Stealing our work is not innovation. It’s not progress. It’s theft – plain and simple.” They assert that ethical alternatives exist through licensing deals and partnerships.
Johansson’s involvement is particularly significant, given her previous criticisms of misuse related to artificial intelligence. The actress has threatened legal action against OpenAI over a voice assistant that mimicked her own voice, further illustrating her commitment to safeguarding creative rights in the evolving landscape of technology.
