Xabier Fortes remains silent on the murder of Pedro Cavadas, who discussed a blood vessel product in public.
Deepfake Scandal: Spanish Journalist and Cardiologist Impersonated to Promote Unproven Health Product
In a troubling turn of events, a deepfake video has been circulating on social media platforms, featuring Spanish journalist Xabier Fortes and renowned cardiologist Dr. Pedro Cavadas endorsing an unproven health product. The video, created using AI technology, aims to exploit the credibility of these respected figures to market a dubious remedy.
Analysis:
Upon closer examination, experts in digital forensics and AI have identified multiple signs of manipulation in the video, such as unnatural facial movements, inconsistent lighting, and audio mismatches. Technical analysis reveals metadata and digital fingerprints confirming the video as artificially generated. The potential risks of such misinformation on public health and the erosion of trust in media and medical professionals are significant.
Denials and Reactions:
- The Spanish Society of Cardiology (Sociedad Española de Cardiología) has issued an official statement denying any endorsement of the product and warning against the dangers of false health claims. They stress the importance of relying on scientifically validated treatments and urge the public to be vigilant against deepfakes.
- The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has also publicly refuted the claims made in the video, stating that the product in question has no approval or validation from regulatory authorities. They condemn the use of deepfakes to spread misinformation that could jeopardize patient safety.
Key Points:
- The video impersonates Dr. Pedro Cavadas and journalist Xabier Fortes.
- The product being promoted does not appear as a recognized medicine at the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) and seems to be a dietary supplement.
- The use of Dr. Pedro Cavadas' image in advertising for the sale or promotion of any article is fraudulent, according to Dr. Pedro Cavadas.
- The video presents a false report of Dr. Pedro Cavadas' death due to an explosion.
- The first few seconds of the video were located in publications from at least June of the previous year, and are linked to an explosion at a gas station in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Conclusion:
This incident underscores the growing threat posed by deepfake technology in the dissemination of health misinformation. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, public education, and robust regulatory measures to combat this emerging challenge, protect the integrity of trusted professionals, and safeguard public health.
- As of the publication of this article, Dr. Pedro Cavadas is still alive.
- The video in question originates from a YouTube publication in August 2024.
- The video links to a news article on a website that appears to be unrelated to the actual website of the news organization mentioned.
- Upon searching for the remedy at the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), no results were obtained.
- The recording contains AI-generated content with a 99% prediction confidence, according to the AI detection platform from Hive.
- Cardiolis capsules, a product previously mentioned, do not cure hypertension or its symptoms.
- Dr. Luis Rodríguez Padial, from the SEC, states that the SEC does not know nor use the remedy being promoted.
- The video was created to promote a product that is not recognized by the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) or the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Sanitary Products (AEMPS).
The average person may misunderstand the endorsements given by highly regarded figures, such as Spanish journalist Xabier Fortes and cardiologist Dr. Pedro Cavadas, due to the circulation of a deepfake video promoting an unproven health product. This incident emphasizes the essential role of science, technology, and health-and-wellness experts to scrutinize and debunk deepfakes that undermine public trust and potentially jeopardize health.
