The University of Otago has warned about a deep fake video which features a false story featuring one of the university’s leading endocrinologists.
Professor Sir Jim Mann’s likeness was used in the video and advertisements online, which encourages people with type 2 diabetes to stop taking medications Metformin and alternatively use natural products.
The video was posted to a Facebook page using footage of the professor, and was edited to “sound like a 1News clip”, the university said.
Mann was extremely concerned people who trusted him might be misled by these advertisements in a way that could adversely influence their health.
“I was disturbed to discover what could be done with AI. Of course, one hears of it happening to other people but not until it happened to me did I realise the extent to which the technology could distort the truth,” he said.
“I have lost count of the number of people who have contacted me and stopped me in the street asking me about this alleged new product.”
While some people had identified the video and story as a scam, the university said many others believed it and have asked where they can buy the product.
Mann encouraged people to source reliable information from Diabetes New Zealand recognised health professionals.
Vice-chancellor Grant Robertson is disappointed Mann — a leading authority on diabetes who is widely respected for his knowledge on the topic worldwide — is the target of a scam, spreading misinformation.
“Sir Jim has dedicated his career to helping people. To have his reputation taken advantage of and his likeness used for nefarious purposes is highly distressing.”
The NetSafe and New Zealand Police websites contain information on scams, information about how to identify them, and where to report them.
