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Indian actor Anil Kapoor and Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson have made it to TIME's AI influencers list, sparking controversy due to the absence of tech giant Elon Musk.
Kapoor's inclusion follows a lawsuit against unauthorized use of his image by AI, while Johansson's involvement stems from a dispute with OpenAI over a voice eerily similar to hers.
The list's credibility is questioned, given Musk's significant contributions to AI through ventures like Neuralink and OpenAI.

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Anil Kapoor joins 'Time's 100 Most Influential in AI

Why Anil Kapoor, but not Musk on 'TIME's AI list

By Tanvi Gupta

Sep 06, 2024

11:03 am

What's the story

TIME magazine has released its list of the "100 Most Influential People in the Realm of Artificial Intelligence," featuring Indian actor Anil Kapoor. He is the only Indian actor to secure a spot on this prestigious list, which also includes prominent entrepreneurs, scientists, tech industry leaders, and artists. The recognition comes after a significant legal victory for Kapoor last year over the unauthorized use of his persona for commercial purposes.

Legal triumph

A quick look at Kapoor's legal victory last year

The Delhi High Court last year restrained several websites and platforms from misusing Kapoor's name, image, voice, and other personal attributes, including his popular "jhakaas" catchphrase. This order was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by the actor alleging unauthorized exploitation of his personality and celebrity rights for commercial use. The case highlighted the widespread presence of AI-generated distorted videos, GIFs, and emojis using Kapoor's image without consent.

Other inclusions

Hollywood actor Scarlett Johansson also featured on the list

While Kapoor is the only Indian actor on the list, Hollywood actor Scarlett Johansson has also been included. Last year, she revealed that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had asked her to lend her voice to their system. However, she declined and later expressed shock and anger when a released demo featured a voice eerily similar to hers. Following this incident, OpenAI "reluctantly" agreed to remove the Sky voice after Johansson's lawyers intervened.

Controversial pick

Johansson over Elon Musk?

Meanwhile, TIME magazine's AI influencers list sparked controversy too, with many questioning the inclusion of Johansson over tech mogul Elon Musk, despite his significant contributions to the sector through ventures like The Boring Company, xAI, Neuralink, and OpenAI. Musk's absence from the list has led to doubts about TIME's selection criteria. One social media user sarcastically commented, "Scarlett Johansson is more important than Elon Musk, Source: it was revealed to TIME in a dream."