Tom Hanks Warns Fans About Fake AI Dental Plan Ad Featuring His Image
Renowned actor Tom Hanks has taken to Instagram to warn his 9.5 million followers about a fake dental plan advertisement that utilizes his image. According to Hanks, the advertisement, which was created using artificial intelligence, features a computer-generated version of himself without his permission.
In his Instagram post, Hanks shared a screenshot of the AI-generated image and urged his fans to beware of the misleading dental plan promotion. He made it clear that he has absolutely no association with the dental plan in question.
While Hanks has previously expressed concerns about the use of AI in the entertainment industry, he has occasionally approved digitally altered versions of himself in films. For instance, the 2004 animated movie “The Polar Express” showcased a CGI version of Hanks, and he was also de-aged in scenes from the upcoming 2022 film “A Man Called Otto.”
During an appearance on British comedian Adam Buxton’s podcast, Hanks discussed AI and its impact on the industry. He recognized the rapid advancement of AI technology, noting its ability to create realistic human faces and characters. The actor also revealed that discussions are underway within various guilds, agencies, and legal firms to establish the legal implications surrounding the ownership of celebrities’ images and voices, including his own.
Hanks revealed that anyone can now virtually recreate themselves at any age using AI or deepfake technology, raising concerns about the potential for fake versions of him to continue acting indefinitely. He believes that AI could present both artistic and legal challenges, as it can perfectly mimic an individual’s appearance and deliver lifelike performances.
The recently concluded US writers’ strike was partly influenced by concerns over unchecked AI undermining the creative work of industry professionals. The Writers Guild of America reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television, which includes restrictions on AI usage in film and TV production.
However, the union representing Hollywood actors, Sag-Aftra, is still on strike. The actors’ strike, which began several months after the writers’ strike, primarily revolves around pay issues and worries about the unauthorized use of AI to create virtual likenesses of actors. It is hoped that the resolution of the writers’ strike could help pave the way for a resolution to the actors’ strike.
In an upcoming film called “Here,” directed by Robert Zemeckis and set for release next year, Tom Hanks will portray younger versions of his character using Metaphysic’s technology. The AI company claims to be able to seamlessly generate high-resolution photorealistic faceswaps and de-aging effects in real-time without the need for additional visual effects work.
Tom Hanks’ warning regarding the fake AI dental plan advertisement emphasizes the growing concerns and challenges related to the use of AI in the entertainment industry. As technology continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly crucial to address the legal and ethical implications surrounding the ownership and use of AI-generated content.