Recently, OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, introduced a new voice-cloning tool called Voice Engine. This cutting-edge technology has the ability to replicate a person’s voice using just 15 seconds of recorded speech. However, despite this impressive advancement, OpenAI has decided not to release the technology just yet. The reason for this decision is the potential for misuse, especially during upcoming elections in over 20 countries around the world.
In a press release, OpenAI acknowledged the risks associated with this technology and expressed its awareness of the need for responsible deployment. Recent incidents, such as AI-generated robocalls impersonating President Biden during New Hampshire’s primary, have raised concerns. To address these concerns and ensure that Voice Engine is used ethically, OpenAI is collaborating with various US and international partners, including government agencies, media outlets, and civil society organizations.
What sets OpenAI apart from other players in the voice-cloning field is its emphasis on ethical considerations. Testers of Voice Engine are required to follow strict guidelines that prioritize obtaining consent before impersonating someone and disclosing that the voices are artificially generated. This approach aligns with OpenAI’s philosophy on other tools it has developed, such as its unreleased video-generation tool Sora.
Although Voice Engine is not yet available to the public, OpenAI’s trademark application suggests future plans to expand into speech recognition and potentially develop a digital voice assistant. If successful in these areas, OpenAI could position itself as a formidable competitor in a market currently dominated by products like Amazon’s Alexa.
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