Renowned actor Tom Hanks took to Instagram over the weekend to caution his followers about an unauthorized AI-generated version of himself featured in a promotional video for a dental plan that has been circulating online. The Oscar-winning actor shared a computer-generated image of this AI counterpart, firmly stating, "BEWARE!! There's a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it."

Hanks has been an advocate for discussions around the growing influence of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology within the entertainment industry. On an episode of "The Adam Buxton Podcast," he previously shared his insights, acknowledging that advancements in AI and deepfake technology now enable the possibility of continuing to act even after one's passing.

"Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deep fake technology. I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that's it, but performances can go on and on and on and on," Hanks remarked. "Outside the understanding of AI and deepfake, there'll be nothing to tell you that it's not me and me alone. And it's going to have some degree of lifelike quality. That's certainly an artistic challenge but it's also a legal one."

Hanks elaborated that there are ongoing discussions within the entertainment industry involving "all of the guilds, all of the agencies, and all of the legal firms" regarding the legal implications of one's face and voice being treated as intellectual property.

Furthermore, he raised a critical question about the future of AI-generated content: "Without a doubt, people will be able to tell [that it's AI], but the question is will they care? There are some people that won't care, that won't make that delineation."

In summary, Tom Hanks has cautioned his fans against an unauthorized AI representation of himself used in a dental plan promotion, while also emphasizing the legal and ethical challenges associated with the rise of AI and deepfake technology in the entertainment industry.