Queen Latifah Partners With Lenovo to Use AI Version of Herself to Promote Small Businesses

Queen Latifah has no problem with artificial intelligence as long as it’s for a good cause.

Recently, Latifah announced her collaboration with the technology company Lenovo for its Evolve Small initiative, where she intends to leverage her digital persona to support and promote small businesses.

“This is something we’ve been working on for quite a while,” Latifah said. “And of course I have my concerns [about AI] just like everyone else. But we talk about it, about how we’re going to use my image and likeness.”

In her role as an ambassador for Lenovo’s Evolve Small initiative, Latifah has committed to representing chosen small businesses in six major cities. She will achieve this by utilizing AI-customized advertisements on social media and nationwide billboards.

Speaking on the benefits, Latifah added, “I don’t have to travel to six different cities or make hours’ worth of videos. It can be tailored specifically to what they want.”

However, the most significant advantage lies in the opportunity to make a positive impact, particularly by supporting businesses owned by minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.

“The reality is, most businesses can’t afford me,” the actress said. “Yet they deserve that kind of promotion. Small businesses are really the backbone of our economy.”

Nevertheless, Latifah is firmly in favor of implementing stringent regulations and guidelines for this emerging technology, particularly within Hollywood.

“I’m down with the [SAG-AFTRA] union when it comes to that. Nobody wants to have their image and likeness just recreated in perpetuity. That’s unacceptable,” Latifah said.