A wave of AI-generated "deepfake" videos is reportedly flooding social media, featuring trusted doctors promoting unproven and potentially harmful health remedies. According to a report by news agency AFP, videos on Facebook and Instagram have taken advantage of the credibility of star TV doctors to advertise untested "natural" syrups for diabetes, even claiming that the proven, first-line drug metformin "could kill" patients.
These deceptive videos, often targeting older audiences, capitalize on the credibility of well-known health experts to peddle dangerous products.
Experts warn that these scams pose a significant risk to public health, as individuals may be misled into believing false claims and avoiding legitimate medical care. The videos often promote "natural" remedies for serious conditions like diabetes, even falsely claiming that established treatments like metformin can be harmful. "People do seem to trust these videos," British doctor John Cormack told AFP.
Use pictures of famous doctors
One particularly concerning trend is the use of deepfakes featuring deceased doctors, such as the British TV presenter Michael Mosley. These videos exploit the trust and respect that these individuals have earned over their careers.
AI experts and medical professionals are sounding the alarm about the increasing sophistication of deepfake technology. These videos can be highly convincing, making it difficult for viewers to discern the truth.
The problem is compounded by the speed at which these scams can spread online. Even if a deepfake video is removed from one platform, it can quickly reappear elsewhere.
While there are efforts to develop AI detection tools, the experts warn that it is a constant battle. As deepfake technology continues to advance, so too will the methods used to create and distribute deceptive content.
What users can do
To combat this growing threat, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the risks and to critically evaluate information found online. Verifying information through reliable sources and consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial in protecting oneself from these harmful scams.
These deceptive videos, often targeting older audiences, capitalize on the credibility of well-known health experts to peddle dangerous products.
Experts warn that these scams pose a significant risk to public health, as individuals may be misled into believing false claims and avoiding legitimate medical care. The videos often promote "natural" remedies for serious conditions like diabetes, even falsely claiming that established treatments like metformin can be harmful. "People do seem to trust these videos," British doctor John Cormack told AFP.
Use pictures of famous doctors
One particularly concerning trend is the use of deepfakes featuring deceased doctors, such as the British TV presenter Michael Mosley. These videos exploit the trust and respect that these individuals have earned over their careers.
AI experts and medical professionals are sounding the alarm about the increasing sophistication of deepfake technology. These videos can be highly convincing, making it difficult for viewers to discern the truth.
The problem is compounded by the speed at which these scams can spread online. Even if a deepfake video is removed from one platform, it can quickly reappear elsewhere.
While there are efforts to develop AI detection tools, the experts warn that it is a constant battle. As deepfake technology continues to advance, so too will the methods used to create and distribute deceptive content.
What users can do
To combat this growing threat, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the risks and to critically evaluate information found online. Verifying information through reliable sources and consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial in protecting oneself from these harmful scams.
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