That’s Not Actually Tom Hanks Hocking ‘Miracle Cures and Wonder Drugs’ on the Internet
The AI scam scourge has come for national treasure Tom Hanks — again.
The actor was forced to share a message on Instagram warning fans not to fall for ads “falsely using my name, likeness, and voice promoting miracle cures and wonder drugs.” Hanks said these ads were “created without my consent, fraudulently and through AI. I have nothing to do with these posts or the products and treatments, or the spokespeople touting these cures.”
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It’s unclear what exactly these fake ads were promoting, but Hanks did go on to note his own type 2 diabetes diagnosis, stressing, “I only work with my board certified doctor regarding my treatment.” He then closed out his post with three all-caps warnings: “Do not be fooled. Do not be swindled. Do not lose your hard earned money.”
It’s perhaps unsurprising that online scammers have taken to using AI and deepfake tech to get Hanks — one of the most revered, beloved, and trusted stars we have — to hock phony products. Last October, the actor had to warn fans about a video “promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me,” adding, “I have nothing to do with it.”
The proliferation of such deepfakes thanks to generative AI has become an increasing problem in recent years. Earlier this summer, a bipartisan group of senators introduced the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act, which would increase protection for individuals’ right to publicity by bolstering their legal claims over unauthorized uses of their voice and likenesses. These laws would pertain to both living celebrities as well as those who have died.
Somewhat coincidentally, Hanks did have his likeness modified with AI-assisted tech for his role in Robert Zemeckis’ upcoming film, Here. The film is set entirely in one room of a house, following the lives of several families over the years; Hanks and Robin Wright will anchor the film, which uses a generative AI tool called Metaphysic Live to de-age and age the actors as part of the film’s storytelling concept.
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