AMA Calls for Legal Action Against Medical Deepfakes as a 'Public Health Crisis'
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The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging lawmakers to close legal gaps and modernize identity protections to combat the use of deepfakes in medicine, which it describes as a 'public health and safety crisis'. Physicians report their identities are being used to promote unapproved products, and health systems are discovering faked diagnostic images. State regulators and legislators are beginning to take action in response.
Facts First
- The American Medical Association (AMA) is calling for a federal and state crackdown on deepfake creators and faster platform removals.
- Physicians' identities are being used without consent to promote unapproved medical devices and supplements.
- Health systems are discovering faked diagnostic images and clinical data, with a study showing clinicians often miss deepfake X-rays.
- State-level action is underway, with California debating bans and Pennsylvania issuing a cease and desist to a chatbot company.
- The AMA is seeking guidance for targeted physicians on response protocols and insurance coverage.
What Happened
The American Medical Association (AMA) called on federal and state lawmakers to close legal gaps and modernize identity protections, describing the issue of deepfakes as a 'public health and safety crisis'. The AMA is requesting a crackdown against deepfake creators and rules requiring tech platforms to remove impersonations more quickly. Physicians report their identities are being used to promote unapproved medical devices and wellness and longevity supplements, and health systems are discovering faked diagnostic images and other clinical data.
Why this Matters to You
If you rely on online information for health decisions, you may be at greater risk of encountering deceptive medical advice. Deepfakes using trusted physician likenesses could lead you to purchase unapproved supplements or devices, potentially wasting money or causing harm. The spread of faked diagnostic images could also undermine trust in medical systems and complicate accurate diagnoses, which might affect the quality of care you receive.
What's Next
The AMA is seeking guidance regarding how targeted physicians should respond and the role of malpractice and cyber liability insurance, which may lead to new professional resources. State legislatures, like California's, are likely to consider more laws requiring disclosures and imposing penalties. Tech platforms may face increased pressure to develop faster systems for removing medical impersonations.