A fake doctor generated by artificial intelligence and endorsing anti-aging products on social media highlights a sharp rise in deceptive online advertisements, according to the Gyeongin Regional Korea Food and Drug Administration. Regulators report that scammers are increasingly deploying deepfake technology to manufacture false expert endorsements and mislabel ordinary foods as pharmaceutical treatments.
The Rise of Deepfake Medical Endorsements in Online Ads
According to the Gyeongin Regional Korea Food and Drug Administration, social media feeds increasingly feature AI-generated videos showing individuals in white coats claiming that specific products reverse aging. These deceptive clips use synthetic video and audio to mislead consumers seeking health solutions. Alongside fake physicians, illicit marketers promote standard food items as powerful drugs, mirroring public confusion surrounding prescription medications like Wegovy. These deceptive marketing tactics violate Article 8 of the Food, Etc. Labeling and Advertising Act, which strictly prohibits fraudulent marketing practices, according to regulatory filings.
Regulatory Crackdowns and Emergency Response Teams
To combat the surge in fraudulent promotions, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety established the Food Unlawful Acts Emergency Response Team on March 24, according to agency data. The integrated unit handles everything from initial intelligence gathering and field inspections to targeted crackdowns, harmful ingredient testing, and institutional reforms. Officials at the Gyeongin regional office state they are executing immediate field inspections and filing criminal complaints against repeat offenders identified through public tips and digital monitoring.
Targeting Overseas Direct-Purchase Foods and Blog Promotions
Cross-border e-commerce presents a major vulnerability for consumers, prompting heightened enforcement from regional authorities. According to Gyeongin food safety officials, unverified overseas direct-purchase foods frequently flood online marketplaces with unsubstantiated claims regarding hair loss prevention and brain function enhancement. Investigators are also cracking down on bloggers who accept corporate sponsorships to publish disguised consumer reviews. The regional agency actively participates in the Online Unlawful Advertising Response Consultative Body alongside the ministry’s cyber investigation team and 17 municipal governments to dismantle illegal distribution networks.
How Consumers Can Verify Health Products
Government regulators emphasize that eliminating fraudulent digital ads requires vigilant consumer oversight alongside official enforcement. According to the Gyeongin Regional Korea Food and Drug Administration, buyers must verify specific markers before purchasing health supplements:
- Look for the official health functional food certification mark on product packaging.
- Check authorized functional statements rather than relying on social media testimonials.
- Avoid products making exaggerated claims about curing diseases or rapid weight loss.
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