Tom Hanks Warns Fans About Fraudulent Ads Using AI Versions of His Likeness

Tom Hanks recently took to Instagram to issue a "public service announcement" clarifying that he is not endorsing any drugs or medical products, despite fraudulent ads using his "name, likeness, and voice." The 68-year-old Oscar-winning actor shared his concerns on August 29th after discovering that ads were circulating falsely promoting "miracle cures and wonder drugs" using his image and voice generated by artificial intelligence.

“These ads have been created without my consent, fraudulently, and through AI,” Hanks stated, emphasizing that he has no connection with the advertised products, treatments, or the people promoting them. He warned his followers, “DO NOT BE FOOLED. DO NOT BE SWINDLED. DO NOT LOSE YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY.”

Hanks, who has been open about his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, reassured his audience that he only works with a “board-certified doctor regarding treatment.” The actor's post concluded with an urgent message, captioned, “EXTRA! EXTRA!! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!” making it clear that he has no involvement in any such promotions.

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Not the First Incident of AI Misuse Involving Hanks

This is not the first time Tom Hanks has had to address the unauthorized use of his AI-generated likeness. In October 2023, he warned his followers about a promotional video for a dental plan that featured a computer-generated version of him. Hanks posted a stern message over a photo of his AI counterpart, stating, “There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it. BEWARE!!”

Hanks has been vocal about his concerns over the use of AI in creative industries. Speaking on The Adam Buxton Podcast in May, he reflected on his experience with the technology: “The first time we did a movie that had a huge amount of our own data locked in a computer — literally what we looked like — was a movie called The Polar Express." He noted that the capability to recreate human likenesses using digital data has grown exponentially since that film was made in 2004.

"We saw this coming," Hanks said, predicting that technology would advance to the point where a face or character could be generated from digital data. "Now that has only grown a billionfold since then, and we see it everywhere."

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New Legislation to Protect Against AI Exploitation

In response to the rising misuse of AI-generated likenesses, lawmakers are taking action. Earlier this summer, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act. This proposed legislation aims to enhance protections for individuals’ rights to their likenesses and voices, bolstering legal claims against unauthorized use. The act is designed to safeguard both living celebrities and those who have passed away, addressing a growing concern in the entertainment industry.

As the misuse of AI continues to affect public figures, the introduction of the NO FAKES Act could provide significant legal support for celebrities like Tom Hanks, ensuring their identities are protected from fraudulent use.

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Conclusion

Tom Hanks’ warning highlights the growing issue of AI-generated likenesses being used without consent in deceptive advertising. As technology continues to advance, both individuals and lawmakers are recognizing the need for stronger protections. With new legislation on the horizon, there is hope for a future where personal likenesses are respected and safeguarded against misuse.