Deepfake videos of Barbara O'Neill used in health scams on social media
Deepfake videos using audio purportedly from disgraced Australian naturopath Barbara O'Neill were circulating on Facebook across multiple African countries as of November 2024, advertising health scams for prostate and erectile dysfunction treatments. The videos reused identical audio over different video footage and reached over a million views in one case, reportedly targeting social media users with fraudulent health product endorsements.
What happened
Deepfake videos circulating on Facebook purport to show Australian naturopath Barbara O'Neill endorsing cures for prostate problems and erectile dysfunction. The videos use low-resolution footage of O'Neill appearing to say 'Your erection will return and remain strong even after 80 if you take one capsule before bed,' with the same audio used over different video footage of O'Neill speaking.
Multiple videos using identical audio were found circulating in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe as of November 2024. One post from November 2024 in South Africa had over a million views at time of writing, with captions stating 'Prostatitis will disappear forever! Read the article.'
Reported impact
The deepfake videos are used to advertise multiple health scams targeting social media users across Africa.
Index analysis
Clues in the videos suggest they are deepfakes, including low-resolution footage and the reuse of identical audio over different video content. Barbara O'Neill has been banned from giving health advice by Australian health authorities and is known to fact-checkers for making false health claims.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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