Meta (the company that owns Facebook and Instagram) wants to use famous people's voices for their artificial intelligence (AI) projects. They are trying to make deals with actors like Judi Dench and Keegan-Michael Key. They want to create AI tools that can talk like these celebrities, but the actors are worried about how this might affect their jobs and are asking for special rules to protect them. Meta is trying to finish the deals before a big event in September where they will show off their new AI projects. Read from source...

Meta seeks A-list Hollywood celebrities to voice AI tools.
Meta is reportedly offering millions to A-list Hollywood stars for the rights to use their voices in artificial intelligence (AI) projects.
The company is said to be in negotiations with celebrities such as Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key.
The specifics of the project are still under wraps, and Meta has chosen not to comment on the matter.
The tech giant, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is racing against time to finalize these deals before its Connect 2024 event in September.
The company’s goal is to create a range of AI tools, which may include a chatbot that could function as a digital assistant or companion, reports Bloomberg.
However, the negotiation process has been a rollercoaster ride due to disagreements over the terms of voice usage.
While Meta is pushing for rights to the actors’ voices for various applications over a fixed term on a single project, the actors’ representatives are advocating for more stringent restrictions.
The integration of AI in the entertainment industry has sparked concerns among Hollywood professionals, who fear job displacement due to technological advancements.
Despite these apprehensions, SAG-AFTRA, the main union for actors, has apparently reached a consensus with Meta on the terms.
In the past, Meta has dabbled with text-based chatbots that were inspired by celebrities such as Dwyane Wade and Paris Hilton.
However, this program has since been discontinued.
The news also follows on a controversy involving an AI voice assistant from OpenAI that sounded very much like Scarlett Johansson.
This move by Meta signifies a growing trend of tech companies leveraging the star power of celebrities to enhance their AI offerings.
The use of recognizable voices could potentially make AI tools more appealing to users, thus driving user engagement and growth for the company.
However, the negotiations highlight the ongoing debate over the ethical use of AI, particularly in terms of job displacement and the rights of individuals to their own voice.
The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for future collaborations between tech companies and celebrities.

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Meta Seeks A-List Hollywood Celebrities To Voice AI Tools
Meta Platforms Inc. is reportedly offering millions to A-list Hollywood stars for the rights to use their voices in artificial intelligence (AI) projects. The tech giant, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is in negotiations with celebrities such as Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. The specifics of the project are still under wraps, but Meta has chosen not to comment on the matter.
The company is said to be aiming to close deals before its major Connect 2024 event in September. The goal is to create a range of AI tools that may include a chatbot that could function as a digital assistant or companion.
However, the negotiation process has been a rollercoaster ride due to disagreements over the terms of voice usage. While Meta is pushing for rights to the actors' voices for various applications over a fixed term on a single project, the actors' representatives are advocating for more stringent restrictions.
The integration of AI in the entertainment industry has sparked concerns among Hollywood professionals, who fear job displacement due to technological advancements. Despite these apprehensions, SAG-AFTRA, the main union for actors, has apparently reached a consensus with Meta on the terms.
This move by Meta signifies a growing trend of tech companies leveraging the star power of celebrities to enhance their AI offerings. The use of recognizable voices could potentially make AI tools more appealing to users, thus driving user engagement and growth for the company.
The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for future collaborations between tech companies and celebrities.