The Chairwoman of the Audiovisual Media Authority, Ms. Armela Krasniqi, has warned the public about manipulated videos circulating on Facebook that use without authorization the image and voice of renowned physician, Dr. Flamur Topi, to promote health products.
In her statement, Ms. Krasniqi announced that AMA had been alerted to this content by the physician’s family members. According to the report, footage from older episodes of “Trupi dhe Shëndeti”, broadcast on RTSH, has been manipulated using artificial intelligence to create the impression that Dr. Flamur Topi is recommending specific products.
Ms. Krasniqi emphasizes that the risks posed by such content go beyond health misinformation. It may be used to direct citizens to suspicious websites where they could be asked to provide personal and banking details, thereby exposing them to fraud.
These practices exploit public trust in well-known figures and respected professionals, particularly targeting citizens who are less familiar with digital technology. Such content may also circulate in the form of sponsored advertisements.
Under these circumstances, AMA urges citizens to verify the source and authenticity of videos and advertisements promising to cure diseases, even when they feature well-known public figures. It also advises the public not to purchase health products without consulting a doctor, to avoid clicking on suspicious links, and to never disclose personal or banking information.
Content suspected of being manipulated can be reported to the platforms on which it is published, as well as directly to AMA through its official website: www.ama.gov.al.
Artificial intelligence can imitate a person’s face and voice, creating content that appears credible. For this reason, verifying information is an essential step in protecting citizens’ health, personal data and financial security.
