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Factcheckers Uncover Deepfake Doctors Driving Supplement Sales Across Social Platforms

A new Full Fact probe links hundreds of impersonation videos to supplement marketing across major platforms.

Overview

  • Full Fact reported on 5 December that it found hundreds of AI-generated videos impersonating health experts and steering viewers to Wellness Nest and a related UK outlet.
  • The clips rework real footage and audio to fabricate endorsements for menopause remedies, drawing on sources such as a 2017 Public Health England talk and a recent parliamentary hearing.
  • Targets include Prof David Taylor-Robinson, former PHE chief Duncan Selbie, Prof Tim Spector and the late Dr Michael Mosley, with one Taylor-Robinson video accruing more than 365,000 views before removal.
  • TikTok said it removed flagged content for breaking rules on harmful misinformation and impersonation after initial moderation errors and delays reported by Taylor-Robinson.
  • Wellness Nest told Full Fact the deepfake promotions were unaffiliated with its business and said it does not use AI content, while a UK Liberal Democrat health spokesperson urged tougher controls and potential criminal liability for profiteers.