AI-generated deepfake video falsely endorses incontinence medicine as endocrinologist
A deepfake video created using artificial intelligence falsely portrayed an endocrinologist endorsing an incontinence medicine, leading to calls from patients and relatives seeking the non-existent treatment. The doctor said the synthetic video used her likeness from a legitimate television appearance but was created without her consent or knowledge.
What happened
A deepfake video was created using artificial intelligence to make it appear that endocrinologist Dr. Maria Kalinkova was endorsing a medicine for incontinence. The video was made using footage from her appearance on the health program 'Puls' on NOVA News. The synthetic video featured her likeness but not her actual voice, according to the doctor.
Reported impact
Dr. Kalinkova stated that many patients and relatives called her asking for the medicine mentioned in the fake video, which she said she had no knowledge of. A patient alerted her to the fraudulent video after becoming suspicious because she was incorrectly presented as an obstetrician-gynecologist treating incontinence, when she is an endocrinologist.
Index analysis
The use of artificial intelligence to create a synthetic video combining a real person's image with fabricated endorsements represents a deepfake attack on a medical professional's reputation and identity.
Governance controls
Dr. Kalinkova considered reporting the fake video to police but stated she believed a television interview and social media posts to her patients would be sufficient response at the time, noting she had not decided what further steps to take.
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.