Be cautious of AI-promoted 'wonder drugs,' advises Tom Hanks: 'Do not be swindled'

Tom Hanks cautioned his fans against falling for fake advertisements that utilized his image, voice, and name to promote "miracle drugs," asserting that the companies behind these ads were employing artificial intelligence to deceive customers.

Hanks shared the "public service announcement" on Thursday on Instagram.

"My name, likeness, and voice have been falsely used in multiple internet ads promoting miracle cures and wonder drugs without my consent. These ads were created fraudulently and through AI."

"I am not involved in these posts, productions, or treatments, nor do I endorse the spokespeople promoting these cures. I have type 2 diabetes and only work with my board-certified doctor for my treatment. Be cautious and avoid losing your hard-earned money."

"These ads have been created without my consent, fraudulently and through AI." — Tom Hanks

In October, Hanks cautioned his fans about a fraudulent dental company.

At the time, he wrote on Instagram that there was a video promoting a dental plan with an AI version of him, but he stated that he had no involvement in it.

Lainey Wilson, a country music star, cautioned fans about companies exploiting celebrity images to advertise products through AI while giving testimony to Congress.

Wilson stated that her likeness was used to advertise weight-loss gummies, which she vehemently opposed as an artist with a young following.

"She explained to the congressional committee in February that she had many young children watching her, including girls and boys, and she wanted to make them feel comfortable in their own skin and love themselves. She emphasized that she would never do anything to discourage this."

"Ultimately, individuals acknowledge that others are saying, 'I must witness it to believe it.' Now, they are observing it and accepting it as true."

Wilson asserted that AI technology is being utilized to produce the voices of musicians in "doubtful circumstances" or to perform lyrics that they would never compose.

"The "Heart Like a Truck" singer stated, "My music and voice are my unique identity, and I use them to connect with my fans and help them connect with each other. My art is a reflection of who I am, and I take it very seriously. It is never acceptable to have my name, likeness, or voice taken and used without my consent.""

"We have limited control over many aspects of life, but we should have control over our own unique qualities and how we use ourselves," she stated. "I am thrilled about the potential of artificial intelligence to aid people, but I am concerned about its potential to infringe on personal rights."