OpenAI’s human-like voice tool raises ethical concerns

WEB DESK: OpenAI has unveiled a new feature called “Voice Engine” that boasts the capability to read text aloud with a remarkably human-like voice, can replicate a person’s voice convincingly with just a 15-second audio sample.

The current feature in the artificial intelligence (AI) field will have significant implications across various sectors. The limited preview of Voice Engine was shared with only ten developers, featuring early demos and potential applications. OpenAI opted to scale back its release plans following ethical concerns raised by various parties.

OpenAI’s Voice Engine’s standout feature lies in its ability to produce speech closely resembling human voices, including capturing nuances in rhythm and pitch of a person’s voice.

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Despite its impressive technical capabilities, Voice Engine has raised ethical concerns regarding the potential for misuse, particularly in contexts of spreading fake news.

Instances of AI-generated voices being used for deceptive purposes, such as impersonating public figures, points to the risks associated with this technology.

Several people raised concerns about the potential of misinformation and the creation of deceptive content. This forced many to call for safeguards against misuse of this technology.

OpenAI has implemented strict usage policies for its developer partners, requiring consent from original speakers before using their voice and disclosing to listeners that the voices they hear are AI-generated.

Additionally, the company is exploring techniques for detecting AI-generated audio content and advocating for public education on the challenges posed by advanced AI technologies.

However, Voice Engine also presents opportunities for positive applications, such as aiding individuals with speech impairments in recovering their voice.

Companies utilising OpenAI’s Voice Engine have access to the technology for diverse purposes, such as generating pre-recorded audio narration and providing personalised responses to users.

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The development of Voice Engine marks a significant advancement in text-to-voice generation, with potential uses in fields like education and healthcare. However, it has also sparked discussions about the ethical concerns surrounding voice-cloning technology and the importance of safeguards against potential misuse.

OpenAI’s decision to limit the release of Voice Engine reflects a cautious approach to deploying AI technologies with potential societal implications.