Anvisa warns deepfake videos of doctors, celebrities used to sell illegal health products

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa has issued an alert that artificial‑intelligence generated deepfake videos are being used to mimic doctors, celebrities and influencers promoting medicines, supplements and other health products. Figures such as physician Drauzio Varella, actress Susana Vieira and singer Simone Mendes have had their images and voices manipulated to endorse products that are either unregistered, counterfeit or sold without authorization.

The agency stresses that the deepfake content can lend false credibility to illegal health items, potentially endangering consumers. Anvisa urges the public not to rely on such endorsements, to verify any medical claims against official professional registries, and to purchase medicines only from pharmacies approved by the health surveillance authority. The warning follows a February lawsuit by Meta against individuals and companies in Brazil, China and Vietnam accused of using similar tactics.

Consumers are advised to be skeptical of promises of rapid cures, weight loss or pain relief presented in social‑media videos and to consult qualified health professionals before using any product.