MP launches operation against group that used deepfakes of Drauzio Varella to sell health products in false advertisements

According to the MP, those investigated also sold mentorships that taught how to create false advertisements for dissemination on Facebook and Instagram. The operation, called Merovingian, is conducted by CyberGAECO, with support from the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro.

🔎 Deepfake is a technique that allows you to alter a video or photo with the help of artificial intelligence. With it, for example, the face of the person in the scene can be exchanged for that of another, or what the person says can be modified.

In addition to mentoring, the investigation points to the marketing of supplements and medicinal substances without approval from the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), with promises of miraculous results.

Search and seizure warrants were executed against members of the group. According to the Public Ministry, the seized devices could help identify others involved in the scheme and other victims.

"The justice system has responded firmly to the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate the image and voice of public figures. The situation is serious and, unfortunately, increasingly common, with a direct impact on public health, because it leads people to consume products without sanitary control, believing they are following a doctor's recommendation. Those responsible will have to answer for the damage they caused", stated lawyers Igor Tamasauskas and Otávio Mazieiro, who represent the doctor.

In October, the 6th Private Law Chamber of the São Paulo Court of Justice (TJSP) unanimously increased the compensation owed to Drauzio Varella from R$10,000 to R$70,000 in a case related to a course that taught students how to produce falsified advertisements with the doctor's face and voice.

According to the TJ, the evidence gathered in the process showed that two of those involved designed, coordinated and taught classes on a platform, teaching students how to use deepfake technology to create false advertisements.

According to the ruling, they also made repositories with photos and other visual elements of Drauzio Varella available to students and gave guidance on the profitability that could be obtained with the trust transmitted by the doctor's public authority.