Tom Hanks cautions about an artificial intelligence-generated fake in a dental plan advertisement

Hollywood actor Tom Hanks has raised concerns about an advertisement featuring an AI-generated version of himself. Taking to Instagram, he clarified that he had no involvement in the dental plan advert. Hanks has previously discussed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry, an issue that has triggered strikes by notable Hollywood actors and writers. As AI technology advances, so does the creation of realistic virtual versions of real people, known as deepfakes. Celebrities like Martin Lewis have had their likenesses used in deepfakes for fraudulent activities. The use of deepfakes in revenge pornography prompted the UK government to strengthen laws to prosecute offenders. Political figures, including former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, have also fallen victim to AI-manipulated images and videos. Platforms like Google have implemented rules to disclose if political adverts have utilized AI. AI video manipulation has also been used in positive ways, such as virtual concerts featuring Abba. During a podcast appearance, Hanks discussed how AI could potentially extend the careers of performers. Concerns about AI replacing human jobs have led to strikes in Hollywood, affecting shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us. Although the Writers Guild of America recently reached an agreement with studio executives, a separate dispute involving actors, driven partly by fears concerning AI, remains unresolved.