AI-generated deepfake doctors promote unproven supplements on social media
AI-generated deepfake videos appearing to show health experts endorsing dietary supplements have spread on TikTok and other social media platforms, directing users to Wellness Nest, a US supplements company. Fact-checkers identified hundreds of videos based on real footage that was manipulated to make doctors appear to promote unproven products, including at least 14 videos falsely featuring Professor David Taylor-Robinson from the University of Liverpool.
What happened
TikTok and other social media platforms host deepfake videos created with AI in which doctors appear to promote dietary supplements and spread false health information. Full Fact, a fact-checking organization, identified hundreds of such videos featuring people posing as doctors and influencers directing users toward Wellness Nest, an American supplements company.
All deepfake videos are based on existing footage of health experts circulating online, but the image and audio have been manipulated so that those featured appear to encourage women in menopause to purchase products such as probiotics from the company's website. Professor David Taylor-Robinson, a health inequalities specialist at the University of Liverpool, found in August that TikTok hosted 14 doctored videos showing him recommending products with unsubstantiated benefits.
Reported impact
The deepfakes make recognizable experts appear to endorse supplements for treating various conditions. In one video, Taylor-Robinson's deepfake version discussed a supposed menopause side effect called 'thermometer leg' and appeared to urge women in menopause to visit Wellness Nest's website to purchase a 'natural probiotic' claimed to contain '10 plant extracts selected by scientists to address menopause symptoms.'
Taylor-Robinson stated that although he did not feel personally harmed initially, over time the videos caused him concern. TikTok removed the videos six weeks after the professor reported them.
Index analysis
Full Fact's fact-checker Leo Benedictus stated that creators of health deepfakes use artificial intelligence so that 'someone who is respected or has broad appeal appears to support these supplements for treating a range of conditions.' The footage used to construct the deepfakes of Taylor-Robinson came from a 2017 speech he gave to a Public Health England conference on vaccinations and a parliamentary hearing on child poverty in May.
Governance controls
The revelations have triggered calls for stricter oversight of content created with artificial intelligence and faster removal of material that distorts the views of recognizable figures. TikTok said some videos violated its guidelines while taking no action on others, according to partial reporting.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.