Hollywood legend Tom Hanks has issued a stern warning to fans about AI-generated advertisements that falsely use his name, image, and voice to promote dubious products. The 68-year-old Oscar winner took to Instagram to set the record straight, denouncing the unauthorized use of his likeness in these deceptive campaigns.
In a post shared on Thursday, August 29, Hanks revealed that several ads have been circulating, falsely attributing his endorsement to “miracle cures and wonder drugs.” The ads, he emphasized, were created without his consent and were generated using artificial intelligence. “These ads have been created without my consent, fraudulently, and through AI,” Hanks wrote. “I have nothing to do with these posts or the products and treatments, or the spokespeople touting these cures.”
Hanks, who has publicly acknowledged his battle with type 2 diabetes, clarified that he only consults with a board-certified doctor regarding his treatment. He urged his followers to remain vigilant, signing off with a strong warning: “DO NOT BE FOOLED. DO NOT BE SWINDLED. DO NOT LOSE YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY.”
This is not the first time Hanks has faced issues with AI-generated content misusing his likeness. In October 2023, he alerted his Instagram followers about a promotional video for a dental plan that featured a computer-generated image of him. “BEWARE!!” he cautioned at the time, reiterating that he had no involvement with the ad.
Hanks has been vocal about the growing use of AI in the entertainment industry. Speaking on The Adam Buxton Podcast in May, he recalled his early experiences with digital likenesses during the making of The Polar Express in 2004. “We saw this coming,” Hanks said, noting how the technology has evolved exponentially since then. “We saw that there was going to be this ability to take zeros and ones inside a computer and turn it into a face and a character. Now that has only grown a billionfold since then, and we see it everywhere.”
The issue of unauthorized AI-generated content has become a growing concern in Hollywood and beyond. Earlier this summer, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act. The legislation aims to strengthen legal protections for individuals’ right to publicity, particularly in cases involving unauthorized use of their voice and likeness. The proposed laws would apply to both living celebrities and those who have passed away.
As AI technology continues to advance, Hanks’ warning serves as a reminder of the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding its misuse, especially in the realm of digital likeness and personal identity.
