Tom Hanks, a well-known actor in Hollywood, recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the unauthorized use of an AI-generated version of his younger self in a dental plan advertisement. Hanks raised concerns about the growing use of AI in the entertainment industry and the lack of proper regulations to protect actors’ intellectual property rights. This incident has brought attention to the issue, especially amidst an ongoing strike by actors represented by SAG-AFTRA, who are opposing the replacement of real actors with digital counterparts created through AI technology.
Earlier, Hanks had discussed the potential consequences of unchecked AI advancements in the acting industry on “The Adam Buxton Podcast.” During the conversation, he emphasized the importance of having contracts that safeguard actors’ images as intellectual property. Interestingly, Hanks even pondered whether AI could enable him to continue appearing in films after his death, acknowledging the difference in performance between AI versions and live-action performances and questioning whether audiences would be able to discern the distinction.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complex ethical dilemmas and challenges presented by AI in the entertainment industry. While AI can offer cost-efficient solutions for filmmakers, it also highlights the need to protect actors’ rights and acknowledge their creative contributions. As AI technology continues to advance, the debate on responsible utilization of this technology while upholding the rights of human actors is likely to persist.
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