AI‑Generated Fake Doctors Spread Medical Misinformation in Poland

Fact‑checking portal Maldita.es identified more than 1,000 YouTube channels that use AI‑generated doctor avatars to spread medical misinformation in over 30 languages, including 20 channels publishing content in Polish. The videos promote unproven remedies, such as eggs or herbs curing cancer, claim that high blood pressure does not require medical attention, and even allege that sunscreen causes cancer. Each channel’s name often includes titles like “dr” or common Polish surnames such as Kowalski and Nowak.

The content is primarily aimed at older viewers, with titles referencing ages over 60 and urging viewers to avoid professional medical care. Katarzyna Lipka of NASK warned that the videos pose a serious public‑health risk, especially for patients with serious illnesses like cancer, because they may delay or prevent timely treatment. While EU regulations such as the AI Act could restrict such content, they are unlikely to eliminate the spread of medical disinformation online.