Actor Scarlett Johansson Files Legal Action Against AI App For Unauthorized Use Of Likeness In Advertising

Actor Scarlett Johansson has initiated legal proceedings against an artificial intelligence (AI) app that used her name and likeness in online advertising without her consent.

The actor was featured in a 22-second advertisement posted on Twitter by the AI image-generating app, Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar, reported Variety. Johansson’s representatives have confirmed that she is not affiliated with the app.

The advertisement was first spotted on Oct. 28 and has since disappeared from the internet. Johansson’s attorney, Kevin Yorn, has taken up the case, stating, “We do not take these things lightly. We will deal with it with all legal remedies that we have.”

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The content of the ad included an old clip of Johansson from Marvel’s “Black Widow” and AI-generated photos resembling the actor. A voice imitating Johansson was also used to promote the app.

Lisa AI, developed by Convert Software, remains available on the App Store and Google Play. The company has not responded to Variety’s request for comment.

States such as California have stringent laws pertaining to the unauthorized use of an individual’s “name, voice, signature, photograph or likeness” for promotional purposes. Johansson is not the first actor to face such an issue. Previously, Tom Hanks warned his fans about a promotional video featuring an AI version of him for a dental plan advertisement.

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Image by Gage Skidmore in Flickr