Social media fans should be wary of ads utilizing Tom Hanks’ likeness that were made “fraudulently and through AI,” the actor is warning his fans.
Hanks posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, saying, “There are numerous advertisements on the internet propagating miracle cures and wonder drugs using my name, likeness, and voice falsely.” These advertisements are the result of fraud, AI, and creation done without his permission.
“Nothing to do with these posts, the products and treatments, or the spokespeople touting these cures,” he continued. Hanks, who has been candid about having type 2 diabetes, said he only consults his board-certified physician when it comes to his care.
Don’t fall for it. Refrain from being duped. He wrote, “Do not lose your hard-earned money.” Hanks is just one of many well-known people whose names and likenesses have been fraudulently used in AI-generated pictures, songs, political endorsements, or internet ads. Other celebrities include Drake, The Weeknd, and Taylor Swift, to mention a few.
New initiatives or campaigns by a number of state and federal lawmakers aim to provide greater safeguards against the digital age misuse of personal identities.
The Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act, or ELVIS Act, was recently passed by the state of Tennessee and went into effect last month with the goal of shielding individuals from the unauthorized use of content that mimics their voice or image.
