AI-Generated Fake Doctors Spread Harmful Medical Misinformation on YouTube

A investigation by BBC News has revealed an alarming rise in YouTube channels using AI-generated fake doctors to spread misleading medical advice globally. These channels use artificially created or stolen likenesses and voices of real physicians clad in white coats to deliver soothing yet dangerous health warnings. The content specifically targets elderly viewers, encouraging them to replace prescribed medications or professional hospital visits with unverified home remedies, such as swapping stomach acid medication for sweet potatoes. BBC identified 50 channels across languages—including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hindi—teaching creators how to make these AI videos, which generate thousands of dollars monthly through YouTube ads and digital product sales. In response to the findings, Google stated that its social media guidelines strictly prohibit harmful medical misinformation and apply to AI-generated content as well. Meanwhile, affected genuine medical professionals have begun filing police reports and reporting these deceptive channels to platform administrators.