UK health misinformation surge on TikTok as AI‑generated videos spread; Japan faces AI voice‑cloning dispute

Researchers in the United Kingdom found that artificial‑intelligence‑generated videos dominate health‑related content on TikTok. An analysis of 1,198 popular health videos by the Hallam digital‑marketing agency showed that 40% were produced or supported by AI, and AI‑generated material accounted for 84% of results for specific health‑tip searches. The British Medical Association warned that deep‑fake technology, which mimics the appearance and voice of medical professionals, is creating a serious public‑health risk. Dr Emma Runswick, vice‑president of the BMA, said the proliferation of such accounts raises the danger of people following unscientific advice, while NHS England’s medical director Prof Frankie Swords reported a rise in patients arriving with misinformation‑driven concerns. False claims included linking cancer to microwaving plastic containers.

In Japan, voice actress Megumi Ogata, known for voicing Shinji Ikari in "Neon Genesis Evangelion," spoke out against AI‑generated voice clones that replicate her speech on platforms such as TikTok. Ogata told TBS News Dig that the unauthorized use of her voice violates her identity and highlighted the lack of clear regulations for training AI on anime content. After participating in a Ministry of Justice meeting, the ministry approved draft guidelines on 27 July that would treat AI voice cloning and its monetisation as a violation of image‑rights, similar to unauthorized use of a celebrity’s likeness. A related legal case is now before the courts.