Medical deepfakes target the vulnerable and degrade…

On July 29, 2026, specialist ophthalmologist Divya Perumal reported being targeted by a medical deepfake used to spread misinformation within the healthcare sector. The incident highlights the growing threat of AI-generated content being utilized to manipulate public trust and promote unverified health claims.

What happened

The incident involved an AI-generated advertisement that featured a deepfake of Divya Perumal. This deceptive content was created to falsely endorse an unregulated product. Perumal, who serves as a specialist ophthalmologist, has shared her personal experience with this fraud to warn her colleagues about the increasing prevalence of such malicious tactics. Following the incident, Perumal has taken steps to examine the broader implications of these AI-driven threats for general practice, including how medical professionals can identify and respond to fraudulent activities that exploit their professional likeness and reputation. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance among healthcare providers as deepfake technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and targeted.