Tom Hanks, the renowned two-time Oscar-winning actor, has taken to Instagram to warn his fans about a deceptive advertisement that is using an artificial intelligence-generated version of his likeness without his permission. Hanks shared an image of the ad, which he claims falsely depicts him with an AI-generated aged-down version of himself, urging his followers to "BEWARE!!" The actor made it clear that he has no association with the dental plan being promoted in the video. He refrained from disclosing the name of the company behind the ad or where it was being circulated. A representative for Hanks declined to comment further on the matter.

This incident is not the first time Hanks has spoken out about AI and deepfake technology. During an interview on "The Adam Buxton Podcast" earlier this year, he discussed his initial encounter with this technology while working on the 2004 computer-animated film "The Polar Express." Hanks expressed his astonishment at the ability of AI to transform zeros and ones into a realistic face and character. He emphasized that this technology has grown exponentially since then and has become ubiquitous in various fields. Hanks also mentioned that there are ongoing discussions within the entertainment industry regarding the legal implications of using celebrities' faces and voices as intellectual property.

The Hollywood strikes, which were partly influenced by concerns surrounding AI, were also foreshadowed by Hanks. Both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike earlier this year, primarily due to issues related to the use of AI. Writers and actors expressed anxiety about losing job opportunities and credits to AI. The WGA recently reached a tentative agreement with studios, which prohibits the use of AI to write or rewrite literary material, and also prohibits studios from mandating writers to use AI. However, actors under SAG-AFTRA are still on strike.

Hanks humorously remarked during his podcast interview that he could pitch movies starring his AI-generated self at the age of 32 indefinitely, even if he were to meet an untimely demise. He acknowledged that audiences may be able to discern the difference between the real Tom Hanks and an AI-generated version but questioned whether they would actually care about the authenticity. Hanks compared AI to the printing press, suggesting that just as the printing press has the power to disseminate both truth and lies, AI and deepfake technology possess the same capability. He predicted that while some individuals would value authenticity, others would not be concerned about the distinction between real and fake.

In conclusion, Tom Hanks has raised alarm about a fake advertisement employing an AI-generated version of his likeness for a dental promotion. This incident highlights the ongoing debates surrounding AI and deepfake technology in the entertainment industry, as well as the legal and artistic challenges that arise from their use. The Hollywood strikes further emphasize the concerns of writers and actors regarding the potential impact of AI on their work. Hanks' warning serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and critical evaluation in an era where technology can blur the lines between reality and fiction.