“There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.” – Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, the renowned actor, has issued a warning to his 9.5 million Instagram followers, revealing that his image was used without his consent in a promotional video for a dental plan. In a message posted on his social media account, Hanks clarified that the video features an artificial intelligence (AI) version of him and that he has no association with it. This incident highlights Hanks’ ongoing concerns about the use of AI in the entertainment industry, a topic he discussed in a recent podcast interview.

Hanks discussed the rapid advancement of AI technology in creating lifelike faces and characters, emphasizing that it raises important legal and artistic challenges. He noted that with AI and deepfake technology, performances could continue indefinitely, even in the absence of the original actor. This poses significant questions about intellectual property rights and the potential for AI-generated content to undermine the work of creatives. (The Guardian)

The context of Hanks’ concerns coincides with recent industry developments. A US writers’ strike, which concluded recently, centered around concerns related to unchecked AI undermining creative work. The Writers Guild of America reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television that imposed restrictions on AI use in film and TV. However, the actors’ strike, particularly regarding pay and the use of AI to generate unapproved actor likenesses, continues.

In a forthcoming film directed by Robert Zemeckis, Hanks will portray younger versions of his character using AI technology from Metaphysic, which promises high-resolution photorealistic faceswaps and de-ageing effects without additional post-production work.

The issue of AI and its impact on the industry extends beyond Hanks. Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, has criticized the use of AI to recreate her father’s voice, highlighting the ethical implications and the need for consent in such cases.

“These recreations are, at their very best, a poor facsimile of greater people, but at their worst, a horrendous Frankensteinian monster, cobbled together from the worst bits of everything this industry is, instead of what it should stand for,” Williams said.

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Image of Tom Hanks: Flickr