“`html
AI Deepfakes of Doctors Spread Health misinformation on TikTok
Table of Contents
The doctor will see you now. Alas, it’s not a real one. And the outcome is decidedly unhealthy.
TikTok and other major social media platforms are hosting a wave of AI-generated deepfake videos in which the images and voices of real doctors are manipulated to promote supplements and spread health misinformation.
The Guardian reports that an examination by factchecking organisation Full Fact has uncovered hundreds of such videos, raising urgent questions about the policing of synthetic media and the vulnerabilities it creates for public health.
How the Deepfakes Work
Full Fact found that all of the videos use authentic footage of well-known medical experts or influencers, but with their faces and speech altered using AI. In each case, the fabricated versions direct viewers-mainly women experiencing menopause-to buy supplements such as probiotics and Himalayan shilajit from Wellness Nest, a US-based supplements company.
According to Full Fact, this marks a new phase in the misuse of synthetic media. Investigative journalist Leo Benedictus, who led the inquiry, described the tactic as “sinister and worrying”, adding that the creators deliberately deploy AI so that “someone well-respected or with a big audience appears to be endorsing these supplements to treat a range of ailments”. The investigation suggests that deepfake technology is evolving beyond political manipulation and into targeted health-related consumer fraud, with perhaps serious consequences.
Real Doctors, Fake Claims
Some of the most striking examples involve Prof David Taylor-Robinson, a Liverpool University expert in health inequalities. AI was used to create a deepfake of him endorsing Wellness Nest products. Other doctors featured in the deepfakes include Dr. Deborah Lee, a GP, and Dr. Louise Newson, a menopause specialist.
The Tactics Used
- Authentic Footage: Videos begin with genuine clips of the doctors.
- AI Manipulation: Faces and speech are altered using artificial intelligence.
- Targeted Audience: The deepfakes primarily target women experiencing menopause.
- Product Promotion: The fabricated doctors endorse supplements from Wellness Nest.
Wellness Nest has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Risks of Health Misinformation
The use of deepfakes to promote health products is particularly dangerous because it exploits the trust people place in medical professionals. Misleading information about supplements can lead to individuals foregoing effective treatments or experiencing harmful side effects.
“This is a really worrying development. It’s not just about people being misled into buying useless products. It’s about eroding trust in medical expertise and potentially putting people’s health at risk.” – Leo Benedictus,full Fact
What Platforms Are Doing
TikTok has stated that it is aware of the issue and is taking steps to remove the deepfake videos.However, the sheer volume of content and the rapid evolution of AI technology make it a notable challenge to police effectively.
TikTok’s Response
- Content Removal: TikTok is actively removing identified deepfake videos.
- Policy Updates: The platform is reviewing its policies regarding synthetic media.
- AI Detection: TikTok is investing in AI detection tools to identify deepfakes.
Key Takeaways
- AI-generated deepfakes are being used to spread health misinformation on social media.
- These deepfakes often feature the manipulated images and voices of real doctors.
- The primary target of these scams is women experiencing menopause.
- The use of deepfakes in health-related fraud poses a serious risk to public health.
- Social media platforms are struggling to effectively police this type of content.
FAQ
- what is a deepfake?
- A deepfake is a
Related reading