Scarlett Johansson has initiated legal action against an AI application that utilized her name and image in an online advertisement without her consent.
In the ad, which appeared on X/Twitter and has since been removed, Johansson was featured in a 22-second clip created by an artificial intelligence image-generating app known as Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar. Johansson's representatives verified that she has no association with the app and that her attorney, Kevin Yorn, handled the situation legally. The ad was discovered on October 28.
The advertisement, starts with an archival clip of Scarlett Johansson from behind the scenes of Marvel's "Black Widow." Johansson is heard saying, "What's up guys? It's Scarlett, and I want you to come with me..." Then, a graphic obscures her mouth, and the screen shifts to AI-generated images resembling the actress. An artificial voice imitating Johansson proceeds to promote the AI app, saying, "It's not limited to avatars only. You can also create images with texts and even your AI videos. I think you shouldn't miss it."
In the fine print beneath the ad, it's stated: "Images produced by Lisa AI. It has nothing to do with this person." Multiple Lisa AI applications, developed by Convert Software, are still available on the App Store and Google Play.
Several states have stringent privacy laws that address the unauthorized use of an individual's "name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness" for advertising or promotional purposes. California, in particular, provides a legal basis for such claims. While some well-known figures might file lawsuits to establish legal precedents, many cases are typically resolved through cease and desist requests.
Scarlett Johansson is not the only actor whose name and likeness have been used without permission for advertising purposes. Just last month, Tom Hanks took to social media to caution his fans about a promotional video featuring an AI version of himself for a dental plan, stating, "Beware!... I have nothing to do with it," on his Instagram story.
Comments