Misleading AI-generated doctors pose ‘huge danger to public safety’

Experts are warning that AI-generated influencers posing as doctors on TikTok are spreading dangerous medical misinformation. Research indicates these deepfake accounts are gaining millions of views by promoting disproven health myths, prompting calls for platforms to increase moderation.
Why it matters
The rise of AI-generated health content poses a significant public safety risk, as users may be misled by authoritative-looking but false medical advice.
An AI-generated image of a doctor giving advice online. Illustration: TikTok An AI-generated image of a doctor giving advice online. Illustration: TikTok AI (artificial intelligence) Misleading AI-generated doctors pose ‘huge danger to public safety’ Research shows AI accounts are gaining millions of views on TikTok by spreading dubious health advice
Prefer the Guardian on Google Misleading health claims online pose a “huge danger to public safety”, experts have warned, after research has shown that AI-generated doctors are gaining millions of views on TikTok by spreading dubious health advice.
The British Medical Association council deputy chair, Dr Emma Runswick, flagged the risks posed by AI accounts that “peddle medical myths and promote so-called miracle cures”.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in