Tom Hanks Warns Of AI-Made Drug Ads Using His Likeness: “Do Not Be Swindled”

Glenn Garner
·2 min read
30

Tom Hanks is denouncing recent medical ads featuring an AI-created version of his likeness without his consent.

The Academy Award winner shared a “public service announcement” on Thursday, slamming the people behind the ads and warning his 9.5 million followers not to “be fooled” by the promotions using his image and voice.

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“There are multiple ads over the internet falsely using my name, likeness, and voice promoting miracle cures and wonder drugs,” wrote Hanks in a statement. “These ads have been 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.”

He added, “I have type 2 diabetes, and I ONLY work with my board certified doctor regarding my treatment. DO NOT BE FOOLED. DO NOT BE SWINDLED. DO NOT LOSE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY.”

Hanks previously shared a similar warning last October about “a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.”

After starring in 2004’s The Polar Express, which was the first film to be made entirely from motion capture technology, Hanks reflected on how much artificial intelligence has progressed last May on The Adam Buxton Podcast.

“Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deep fake technology,” he said at the time. “I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that’s it, but my performances can go on and on and on.

“Outside of the understanding that it’s been done by AI or deep fake, there’ll be nothing to tell you that it’s not me and me alone and it’s going to have some degree of lifelike quality,” added Hanks.

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