The Doctors' Union has appealed to the Ministry of Health, demanding measures against widespread cases of doctors' names and images being used in false advertising for medical products and treatments. This was reported on Wednesday, June 17, by the "Kan" news service.
The appeal states that over the past two years, there has been a sharp increase in AI-generated video ads on social networks. These videos advertise medications, dietary supplements, and various treatment methods in the name of renowned specialists. Furthermore, images, voices, and names of real doctors are used without their consent.
The fake videos promise health improvements, increased quality of life, and even cures for various diseases, misleading users.
One of the doctors whose name, photograph, and voice were used in such materials is Professor Roni Gamzu, the former coronavirus coordinator. In November 2023, he was appointed to lead the physical rehabilitation of war casualties.
Additionally, other affected individuals include Nobel laureate in Chemistry Professor Aaron Ciechanover, head of the Institute of Forensic Medicine Professor Hen Kugel, who filed a lawsuit against Meta corporation for publishing fraudulent advertisements on Facebook using his image, name, and voice, Professor Gabi Barbash, and many others.
The authors of the appeal point out that this is a planned and systematic mechanism for disseminating false information. This mechanism is based on abusing citizens' trust and exploiting the difficult situation of people suffering from serious chronic diseases or in need of urgent medical help. Such a practice, they claim, poses a serious threat to both the health and financial well-being of citizens.