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TikTok and other social media platforms are hosting AI-generated deepfake videos of doctors whose words have been altered to help sell supplements and spread false medical claims.

Uncovering the Scheme

An investigative group has discovered numerous of these types of clips featuring digital copies of doctors and influencers directing viewers to a American supplements firm.

Each of the synthetic videos use authentic video of a health expert sourced from the internet. Nevertheless, the visuals and sound have been modified so that the individuals are urging individuals experiencing menopause to buy products such as probiotics from the firm's online store.

“This is certainly a alarming and concerning new tactic,” said the investigator who conducted the research.

Professionals Impersonated

An expert in health inequalities is among those whose likeness has been misused. He was surprised to discover that altered footage claiming to depict him endorsing items with unproven benefits were being shared online.

Though he is a expert in children’s health, in one video the digital impersonation of him was discussing an alleged menopause side-effect. The fake version recommended that women go to a site and purchase a natural probiotic containing plant extracts selected for menopausal symptoms.

“It was really confusing to begin with – all quite surreal,” the real professional commented. “I did not feel intensely wronged, but I did become more and more irritated at the idea of people marketing goods off the back of my reputation and the false medical advice being spread.”

Social Media Action

The platform removed the videos a period of time after reports were lodged. “At first, they indicated some of the videos violated their guidelines but others were acceptable. That was illogical – and strange,” the professional stated.

The factcheckers also identified similar AI-generated videos on additional social networks, all connected with the same wellness company.

Company Statement

The firm in question stated to researchers that deepfake videos directing individuals to visit its website were “100% unaffiliated” with its operations. It claimed it had “not employed AI-generated content”, but “is unable to monitor affiliates globally”.

Political and Regulatory Calls

Lawmakers have argued that “From fraudulent physicians to automated accounts that promote self-harm, AI is being deployed to prey on vulnerable individuals.”

“Were these people deceptively posing to be doctors they would face criminal prosecution. Why is the digital equivalent being tolerated?” one representative asked.

There are demands for synthetic impersonations masquerading as medical professionals to be “stamped out”, with verified medical resources strongly promoted.

A Shared Problem

A representative for the video-sharing app commented: “Dangerously deceptive AI-generated content is an problem across the tech sector, and we are investing in novel methods to detect and remove content that violates our community guidelines.”