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Morgan Freeman Thanks Fans for Highlighting Unauthorised AI Voice Use

The Canberra Times

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Details

Date Published
29 June 2024
Priority Score
2
Australian
No
Created
8 Mar 2025, 02:41 pm

Authors (1)

Description

Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman has become the latest Hollywood star to have their voice replicated by artificial intelligence.

Summary

The article reports on actor Morgan Freeman acknowledging his fans for identifying the unauthorized replication of his voice through artificial intelligence tools. It highlights concerns within the entertainment industry regarding the ethical implications of AI-generated imitations. While the use of AI for voice replication represents advancements in AI capabilities, it raises issues of identity protection and authenticity. This is relevant in the broader discourse on AI governance and the protection against misuse of AI technologies, albeit with limited direct discussion on existential AI risks or policy frameworks.

Body

Morgan Freeman thanked his fans for alerting him that his voice had been recreated using artificial intelligence (AI). The Oscar-winning actor, 87, is one of many Hollywood stars that have seen their tones replicated by technology. Freeman wrote on X: "Thank you to my incredible fans for your vigilance and support in calling out the unauthorised use of an A.I. voice imitating me. "Your dedication helps authenticity and integrity remain paramount. Grateful. #AI #scam #imitation #IdentityProtection." It is unclear what issue with AI that the US actor, known for The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy and Million Dollar Baby, was making in the post. There have been reports of a TikTok influencer appearing to recreate Freeman's voice using technology, while joking that she is the actor's niece. A deepfake artist also created an AI generated video of Freeman in 2022. Freeman has lent his voice to documentaries including the Oscar winning documentary March Of The Penguins, and the more recent narration on the nature programs Life On Our Planet and Our Universe, as well as several advertisements. Freeman's post follows Scarlett Johansson having threatened legal action last month against OpenAI for allegedly copying and imitating her voice after she declined to license it to the company. In a statement, Johansson said after she turned down OpenAI's request to be a voice called "Sky" for its AI system, the company founded by Sam Altman then mimicked her voice. Australian Associated Press