Deepfake ads with former health chief lead to mismedication

Deceptive deepfake advertisements featuring Søren Brostrøm, the former director of Denmark's National Board of Health, have resulted in serious cases of mismedication among elderly individuals. These sophisticated AI-generated videos falsely promote specific pharmaceutical products, leading unsuspecting consumers to believe they are receiving genuine recommendations from a trusted public health figure.

Two men in their 80s fell victim to these scams, purchasing a promoted drug after viewing the fabricated advertisements. They believed the content to be a legitimate endorsement from Brostrøm, who gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences were severe, leading to incorrect medication.

Brostrøm, who currently serves as a senior advisor at the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that he has never endorsed any medications or natural health products. He conveyed his deep regret and concern over the situation, emphasizing the dangerous nature of such fraudulent content. "It is also why it is frightening, and why it must be regulated. It is forbidden in Denmark to create this kind of misleading advertising. The platforms must take this seriously," Brostrøm told Politiken.

This is not an isolated incident, as other prominent health professionals, such as Professor Bente Klarlund Pedersen, have also been targeted. Fake videos and ads have appeared showing her seemingly recommending remedies for various ailments, including tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, fatty liver, and obesity. These instances highlight a growing problem of AI-generated misinformation being used for commercial gain, preying on public trust and potentially causing significant harm.

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I am terribly sorry about the story. It is also why it is frightening, and why it must be regulated. It is forbidden in Denmark to create this kind of misleading advertising. The platforms must take this seriously.