Tom Hanks has taken to Instagram to warn his followers about a dental insurance ad featuring an AI version of him. Hanks clarified that he has no association with the ad and urged people to be cautious. He shared an image from the ad but did not disclose the company responsible or whether he plans to take legal action. The New York Times attempted to locate the ad online but was unsuccessful. Hanks is not the only celebrity dealing with doctored footage being used in ads, as Gayle King also posted on Instagram about a manipulated video of herself promoting a product she has no connection with. The Times also found it challenging to identify the product or company involved in King’s case. Despite these efforts, the fake ads do not seem to be benefiting unknown brands. Fans of King expressed gratitude for her calling out the manipulated footage. Both Hanks and King appear to be referring to deepfake technology, which uses AI to create convincing fake images or videos. The European Union has implemented stricter regulations for tech companies regarding deepfakes, and TikTok now requires clear labeling of synthetic or manipulated media. To avoid falling for deepfake scams, individuals should look for inconsistencies in phrasing and facial movements, verify the source’s reputation, and conduct online searches to see if others have questioned the content’s authenticity.
AI Deepfake Ads: Tom Hanks and Gayle King Raise Concerns
