Anvisa Warns Against AI-Generated Deepfake Videos Promoting Fake Health Products

Brazil's health regulatory agency, Anvisa, has raised alarms about the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to create fake videos and audio clips featuring celebrities and medical professionals endorsing unauthorized health products. These manipulative videos often display well-known figures like Dr. Drauzio Varella and actress Fernanda Montenegro recommending counterfeit or unregistered medications, including bogus cures for diabetes and rapid weight loss.

According to Anvisa, fraudsters use AI to clone the voices and likenesses of public figures to lend false credibility to products sold illegally, especially on social media platforms. Dr. Varella has expressed concern about such misleading endorsements, noting the danger even educated individuals face when deceived by these scams.

Anvisa emphasizes that medications can only be legally purchased through licensed pharmacies or official websites in Brazil, warning consumers to be wary of vendors on marketplaces or informal channels. The agency also cautions against health supplements claiming to cure diseases, as these products often lack proper registration and may pose health risks despite claims of being "100% natural and risk-free." Frequently, items labeled "experimental" or "for research purposes" are sold to evade oversight while misleading buyers.

To help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams, Anvisa advises verifying the legitimacy of health products through its public registration tools and consulting qualified health professionals before initiating any treatment. The agency further underscores that individual health conditions vary, and even credible influencer recommendations should be scrutinized carefully.

In a notable development, actress Fernanda Montenegro issued an audio alert after discovering her image and voice had been exploited in fraudulent schemes. Similarly, attempts to clone medical professionals and generate entirely AI-created doctor personas have increased, heightening the risk to public health.

Anvisa recommends that medical practitioners sharing content disclose their official registration numbers via the Conselho Federal de Medicina website to aid consumer verification. These measures aim to combat the growing misuse of AI deepfakes that threaten public trust and safety in the health sector in Brazil.