Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against an AI app that used her name and likeness in an online advertisement without permission.
Johansson appeared in a 22-second ad posted on X/Twitter by an artificial intelligence image-generating app called Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar.
The advertisement was spotted on Oct. 28 and appears to have since vanished from the internet.
âWe do not take these things lightly. Per our usual course of action in these circumstances, we will deal with it with all legal remedies that we will have,â Yorn told
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The ad, begins with an old clip of Johansson behind the scenes of Marvelâs âBlack Widow.â Johansson says, âWhatâs up guys? Itâs Scarlett and I want you to come with meâŠâ before a graphic covers her mouth and the screen transitions into AI-generated photos that resemble the actor. A fake voice imitating Johansson then continues speaking, promoting the AI app. âItâs not limited to avatars only. You can also create images with texts and even your AI videos. I think you shouldnât miss it,â says a voice that sounds like Johansson.
Fine print under the advertisement reads: âImages produced by Lisa AI. It has nothing to do with this person.â Multiple Lisa AI apps, which are created by Convert Software, remain on the App Store and Google Play.
Many states have strict laws when it comes to the right of privacy, with California providing a civil claim for the unauthorized use of oneâs âname, voice, signature, photograph or likenessâ for the purpose of advertising or promotion. While some famous people may bring a lawsuit against those using their name and likeness without approval in order to set a precedent, most of such cases are settled with cease and desist demands.
Johansson isnât the only actor to have her name and likeness stolen and manipulated for the purpose of advertising. Last month, Tom Hanks took to social media to warn his fans about a promotional video for a dental plan that features an AI version of the actor.