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Tom Hanks, a name synonymous with Hollywood royalty, has once again taken to social media to issue a stern warning to his fans.
The beloved actor, known for his roles in iconic films likeForrest GumpandSaving Private Ryan, has found himself at the center of a troubling trend involving artificial intelligence (AI).
This time, it’s not just about fake news ordeepfakesfor entertainment—it’s about fraudulent ads usingAI-generatedversions of his likeness to promote so-called “miracle cures” and “wonder drugs.”
Keep reading for more details!
Hanks’ Urgent Message: Beware of AI Scams
On a quiet Thursday night, Hanks, now 68, turned to Instagram to alert his 9 million followers about the deceitful use of his image.
“There are multiple ads on the internet falsely using my name, likeness, and voice to promote miracle cures and wonder drugs. These ads have been created without my consent, fraudulently, and through AI,” Hanks wrote.
His message was clear: these commercials are nothing more than ascam, and he has no connection to the products or the people promoting them.
In his post, Hanks stressed that he only works with his “board-certified doctor” to manage his type 2 diabetes. The actor was emphatic in his warning: “DO NOT BE FOOLED. DO NOT BE SWINDLED. DO NOT LOSE YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY.”
This isn’t the first time Hanks has had to address the misuse of his likeness.
Nearly a year ago, he found himself in a similar situation when a fake dental ad surfaced online, featuring an AI-generated version of him.
“BEWARE!! There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it,” he cautioned at the time.
The video in question showed a younger version of Hanks, dressed in a black shirt and suit jacket, a stark reminder of how easily AI can manipulate images to create convincing but fraudulent content.
Hanks’ concerns about AI are not just limited to fraudulent ads.
The actor has been vocal about the broader implications of AI in the entertainment industry.
In a May 2023 appearance on British comedian Adam Buxton’s podcast, Hanks discussed the potential for AI to completely alter the landscape of acting and filmmaking.
“We saw this coming,” he said. “We saw that there was going to be this ability to take zeros and ones inside a computer and turn it into a face and a character.
Now that has only grown a billionfold since then, and we see it everywhere.”
Hanks also highlighted the ongoing discussions within Hollywood about the legal and ethical ramifications of AI.
“There [are] discussions going on in all of the guilds, all of the agencies, and all of the legal firms to come up with the legal ramifications of my face and my voice – and everybody else’s – being our intellectual property.”
The actor even mused about the possibility of starring in films long after his death, thanks to AI technology.
“I could be hit by a bus tomorrow, and that’s it, but performances can go on and on and on and on,” he said, pointing out the eerie reality that AI could keep his image alive indefinitely.
AI’s Role in Hanks’ Filmography
Hanks’ career has already seen the influence of digital technology.
In 2004, a CGI version of him starred inThe Polar Express, a computer-animated Christmas film.
More recently, in the 2022 filmA Man Called Otto, AI technology was used to digitally de-age Hanks in certain scenes.
The upcoming filmHere, in which Hanks reunites with hisForrest Gumpco-star Robin Wright, will also feature digital de-aging technology, allowing Hanks to portray a character across several decades.
First Academy Award nomination forBig(1988) Academy Award wins forPhiladelphia(1993) andForrest Gump(1994)
Directorial Debut
That Thing You Do!(1996)
Active Years
More than four decades, still active
About Tom Hanks
The Future of AI and Celebrity Likeness
As AI continues to evolve, the line between reality and digital creation becomes increasingly blurred.
Hanks’ warnings serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that come with this technology.
For celebrities, it’s not just about protecting their image but also about safeguarding their legacy from being exploited by those looking to make a quick buck.
For the rest of us, Hanks’ message is a call to remain vigilant.
In an era where AI can create convincing replicas of our favorite stars, it’s more important than ever to question what we see online and ensure digital impostors are not duping us.
Conclusion
Tom Hanks remains vigilant: The actor continues to warn fans about the misuse of his likeness in AI-generated ads, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and cautious.
AI technology’s double-edged sword: While AI offers exciting possibilities for the entertainment industry, it also poses significant risks, including the potential for fraud and identity theft.
Legal and ethical challenges ahead:Hollywoodis actively discussing the implications of AI, particularly in protecting the intellectual property of actors and other public figures.
The need for public awareness: Hanks’ warnings highlight the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when encountering online ads, especially those featuring AI-generated content.
The future of celebrity image: As AI continues to advance, the issue of who controls a celebrity’s image will become increasingly complex, requiring ongoing dialogue and regulation.
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
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