- Investigations by various media outlets have detected thousands of YouTube channels featuring AI-created doctors who spread health advice without evidence.
- These channels, aimed at older people, promise miraculous cures and use avatars with lab coats and stethoscopes to appear credible.
- Most monetize through advertising, donations, or product sales, while YouTube only removes a small portion of reported accounts.
- Experts warn of the risk of users abandoning legitimate medical treatments and recommend verifying the identity of healthcare professionals online.
In recent months, a network of YouTube channels featuring supposed doctors generated by artificial intelligence has captured the attention of fact-checkers and media outlets worldwide. These avatars, dressed in white coats and stethoscopes, promise miraculous cures for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's, and primarily target people over 60. Investigations by Maldita.es, Chequeado, and Animal Político, among others, have documented the existence of thousands of these channels , which have amassed millions of subscribers and views.
The phenomenon isn't new, but it has grown exponentially since 2025. According to the most comprehensive study, conducted by Maldita.es, at least 1.046 YouTube channels have been identified that use AI-generated fictional doctors, with over 96.000 videos and nearly 1.840 billion views in 33 languages. Although YouTube has begun labeling some content as AI-generated, most channels don't clearly indicate this , and many remain active despite complaints.
A global network that exploits trust in medical authority.
Fake doctors, using names like 'Dr. Fernando Manochi' or 'Dr. Nieves Martínez', employ well-defined strategies to gain credibility. They wear medical uniforms, simulate medical consultations, and claim to have decades of experience , according to investigations. There are even cases where several channels share the same avatar, changing only the name, and use nearly identical scripts for different illnesses.
A prime example is the 'Golden Health with Fernando' channel, which has garnered over 7,6 million views on a video about the kidneys. Others, like the one run by 'Dr.' Castillo, claim that certain fruits 'prevent and kill cancer cells,' something nutritionists refute. The experts consulted warn that no single diet or food can cure a disease like cancer.
The business behind disinformation: monetization and sale of products
Besides spreading misinformation, many of these channels seek financial gain. They use YouTube monetization, solicit external donations, or sell guides and supplements without medical backing , as has been documented in several profiles. For example, the channel 'remediosincreibles' charges membership fees ranging from €1,99 to €24,99 per month, while others request donations through platforms like Buy Me a Coffee.
In Spain, impersonating a doctor is a crime, and advertising products with purported health benefits is regulated by the corresponding Royal Decree. However, the authorities have barely taken any action against these channels , and YouTube has only removed a small fraction of those reported. According to Animal Político, of 15 Mexican channels reported, only 2 were taken down.
The platforms' response and the lack of transparency
YouTube and TikTok have implemented mandatory labels for AI-generated content, but their application is inconsistent. Most of the channels analyzed do not declare the use of AI in their descriptions , and while some videos carry the label, others do not. YouTube states that it will apply automatic labels when it detects photorealistic AI starting in May 2026, but acknowledges that labeling does not replace compliance with its policies.
In the European Union, the Digital Services Act (DSA) requires major platforms to reduce exposure to harmful content, and the AI Act mandates the labeling of deepfakes. However, effective enforcement remains a challenge , and in Latin America, there is no equivalent legislation, leaving users more vulnerable.
How to spot an AI-generated fake doctor
Fact-checkers recommend paying attention to several red flags. The channels are often new, unverified, and exhibit visual inconsistencies such as robotic movements, lip-syncing, or distorted text. Additionally, they commonly use sensationalist headlines like "the food that eliminates 95% of cancer" or "doctors don't want you to know."
It's also advisable to verify the practitioner's identity: look up their name and registration number with official medical associations. Be wary of promises of miracle cures or treatments that replace professional medical care . If you have any doubts, it's best to consult a qualified doctor.
This network of fake experts, which has grown under the auspices of artificial intelligence, poses a real threat to public health. Evidence gathered by various media outlets shows that thousands of channels disseminate scientifically unsupported information, profit from it, and face minimal sanctions. Until platforms and regulators take stronger action, users must remain vigilant and verify any medical advice with reliable sources.
