Artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes in healthcare and biomedical research: major adverse implications for patients, public and professionals

Alicia J Jenkins; Jonathan E Shaw; Assam El-Osta; Leon Tribe; David N O'Neal; Michael Spiegel; John P Greenwood; Neale Cohen

doi:10.1111/imj.70152

Artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes in healthcare and biomedical research: major adverse implications for patients, public and professionals

Intern Med J. 2025 Sep;55(9):1583-1586. doi: 10.1111/imj.70152. Epub 2025 Aug 7.

Authors

Alicia J Jenkins^{1

2

3}, Jonathan E Shaw^{1

3}, Assam El-Osta^{1

3}, Leon Tribe^{1

3}, David N O'Neal^{1

2

3}, Michael Spiegel¹, John P Greenwood^{1

2}, Neale Cohen^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
² Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
³ Diabetes Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

PMID: 40776565
DOI: 10.1111/imj.70152

Abstract

False advertising is a long-term problem, but, with modern technology, it is now possible to create rapidly and inexpensively and widely distribute fake video, audio and written social media presentations attributed to people without their knowledge or permission. Such 'deepfake' videos and other promotional material, allegedly by healthcare and biomedical research experts, are increasingly being used, often encouraging the purchase of a product that is not scientifically validated, and with which the expert is not associated. We describe some of our recent experiences and suggest potential actions.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; deepfakes; healthcare; research.

MeSH terms

Artificial Intelligence* / ethics
Artificial Intelligence* / trends
Biomedical Research* / methods
Biomedical Research* / trends
Delivery of Health Care* / trends
Health Personnel*
Humans
Social Media*