‘I have nothing to do with it’ – Actor Tom Hanks warns of Ad with AI imposter

“Beware,” Tom Hanks said in an Instagram post that evidently showed a copy of an unauthorised digital version of him.

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

The message had received more than 111,700 “likes” since the Academy Award winning actor posted it to his 9.5 million followers on Instagram on Sunday.

Previously, Gayle King – a co-host of CBS Mornings talk show – posted what she said was a bogus video clip of her enticing viewers to click on a link to learn about her weight loss “secret”.

“I have nothing to do with this company,” King said in her Instagram post.

“I’ve never heard of this product or used it! Please don’t be fooled by these AI videos.”

AI in the entertainment industry

Safeguards against artificial intelligence (AI) being used to replicate screen talent was among the issues fought over during the writers strike that paralyzed Hollywood until a recent tentative deal.

Generative AI programs burst onto the spotlight late last year, with ChatGPT demonstrating an ability to generate essays, poems and conversations from the briefest prompts.

AI models have added capabilities such as being able to generate digital imagery on command, raising fears the technology will be used to create “deep fake” pictures and videos that fool people into thinking they real.

Tech titans Google, Meta and Microsoft are among those racing to capitalise on the promise of generative AI while trying to avoid perils such as the technology’s potential as a weapon for misinformation and cyber crime.

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