Tom Hanks slams AI-driven ‘wonder drug’ ads using his likeness: 'Do not lose…’

Tom Hanks, the acclaimed actor known for his role in Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, among others, has publicly condemned recent medical advertisements that feature an AI-generated version of his likeness without his permission. In a "public service announcement" shared on Thursday, Tom Hanks urged his 9.5 million followers not to be deceived by these ads, which falsely use his image and voice to promote "miracle cures" and "wonder drugs."

Tom Hanks made it clear that these advertisements were created fraudulently and without his consent, emphasizing that he has no connection to the products or treatments being advertised. "There are multiple ads over the internet falsely using my name, likeness, and voice promoting miracle cures and wonder drugs," Tom Hanks stated. "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."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Hanks (@tomhanks)

Story continues below Advertisement

Remove Ad

Tom Hanks, who has been open about his struggle with type 2 diabetes, also stressed the importance of consulting a certified medical professional for treatment, cautioning his followers, "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."

ALSO READ: Tom Hanks asks son Chet Hanks to explain the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef, says, ‘Holy cow! These are fighting words’

Reflecting on the evolution of artificial intelligence during an appearance on The Adam Buxton Podcast last May, Tom Hanks noted the potential for AI and deep fake technology to recreate a person's likeness at any age. He acknowledged that his performances could continue indefinitely, even after his death, thanks to this technology. However, he expressed concern about the lack of regulation around such technology, warning that it could be used to create lifelike imitations that are indistinguishable from the real person, raising serious issues of misinformation and reputation risk for public figures.

ALSO READ: 'A Man Called Otto' review: Tom Hanks' latest film is a lesson in how to bring back neighbourliness into our lives

Without adequate government regulations in place, unauthorized deepfakes continue to spread misinformation on the internet, posing significant risks to the reputations of those who are imitated.