Tom Hanks is cautioning his fans about the unauthorized creation of an AI replica of himself featured in a dental plan advertisement.
Through his Instagram account, he shared an image showcasing a digitally generated version of his likeness, accompanied by a warning: “BEWARE!! There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.”
Hanks has previously expressed his concerns about the increasing use of AI in the entertainment industry. In April, during a conversation with UK comedian Adam Buxton, he acknowledged the industry’s anticipation of AI’s capabilities in transforming computer code into lifelike faces and characters, noting the exponential growth of this technology.
The application of AI, particularly in replicating actors’ appearances, has become a focal point in the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike. Actors are seeking agreements on restricting studios’ use of this technology in their contracts. Striking actors contend that studios are seeking unrestricted control over digital replacements of background actors.
The recent resolution of the prolonged writers’ strike included provisions safeguarding against the use of AI. These protections stipulate that content created with AI technology cannot be considered source material, a measure intended to prevent writers from having their contributions diminished by AI. Additionally, writers cannot be compelled to use AI software.
