Source: The Guardian

Research by digital marketing agency Hallam identified AI-generated physician avatars spreading misleading and disproven health claims on TikTok, with AI-generated content appearing in 40% of top health-related videos and reaching 84% for some search terms such as “health tips.” Top AI-generated doctor and health videos in Hallam’s sample reportedly averaged 2.5 million views, and the agency analysed 1,198 videos selecting the top 50 across a series of health-related search terms. The AI accounts promoted debunked cancer myths (for example, microwaving food in plastic, using deodorants, or sleeping next to phones causing cancer) and bizarre remedies such as Coca‑Cola mixed with onion and a purported product called “Hyalethinap Plus Pro Max,” which The Guardian could not find evidence for online.

Medical and public‑health actors responded with concern: the British Medical Association deputy chair warned about accounts “peddling medical myths,” the national medical director at NHS England said clinicians report patients confused by false click‑driven advice, and the Royal College of GPs and Healthwatch England highlighted risks of harm and public confusion. The Guardian sent examples to TikTok, which removed some videos and said it removes harmful health misinformation — disputing Hallam’s characterisation as not an accurate reflection of the platform — and added it partners with the WHO and the NHS on in‑app information and invests in AI‑labelling and literacy tools. A Savanta poll cited in the coverage found about one in five people in England use social media for health information, a context that experts say heightens public‑safety concerns.