AI-Generated Fake Doctors Spread Dangerous Medical Misinformation

A growing wave of deepfake videos featuring fabricated doctors is flooding social media platforms, pushing false medical claims and unverified products. These AI-generated impersonations, including one of Dr. Joel Bervell, a well-known ’Medical Mythbuster,’ promote everything from miracle weight-loss solutions to unproven beauty treatments. Cybersecurity firm ESET identified over 20 accounts using AI doctors to push products, with some videos amassing millions of views.

Platforms like TikTok and Meta have removed some violating content, but YouTube allowed flagged videos to remain, citing no policy breaches. Experts note scammers are leveraging advanced AI tools to create increasingly convincing fakes, making detection difficult on small screens. Red flags include flickering visuals, robotic voices, and exaggerated claims like ’96% more effective than Ozempic.’

The spread of such misinformation threatens public trust in medicine, warns Dr. Bervell. Cybersecurity expert Tony Anscombe advises users to independently verify claims and avoid clicking suspicious links. As deepfake technology improves, the battle against medical misinformation grows more complex, with platforms struggling to keep pace with evolving scam tactics.

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