In November 2024, a video was published on Catena’s Facebook page, using deepfake technology to fabricate the image and voice of Professor Henryk Skarżyński, a world-renowned otorhinolaryngologist. The Catena audiovisual material depicted the professor recommending a medical supplement Tonosin Pro Max. The material has been viewed more than 800,000 times by the platform users. Professor Skarżyński vehemently denied his participation in recording the footage, stressing that he never agreed to promote any product with his image or opinion. According to Article 63 of the Code of Medical Ethics, as a doctor he cannot participate in such advertising. The case has been reported to the prosecutor’s office.
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Attention – scam! World Hearing Center. Director: Professor Henryk Skarżyński
AI-based deepfake technology makes it possible to create realistic but fake video and audio materials in which people’s images and voices can be manipulated at will. While AI brings many benefits in medicine, such as support for diagnosis or data analysis, its misuse poses serious risks. Fake materials can mislead patients, undermine trust in medical authorities and pose a real danger to public health.
Statement by Professor Henryk Skarżyński in “Gazeta Prawna” daily
On February 11, 2025, Professor Skarżyński posted a statement in the “Gazeta Prawna” daily regarding the fraud perpetrated against him and the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing.
Professor Henryk Skarżyński – statement – GazetaPrawna.pl
In his statement, he vehemently denied his participation in the advertising of any medicinal products: “I have never participated in such a recording, I have not given my consent to promote the product with my opinion, let alone with my image – in accordance with Article 63 of the Code of Medical Ethics, as a doctor I do not participate in any advertising. In connection with this incident, which is an attempt at criminal fraud, I have referred the case to the prosecutor’s office.”
The head of the World Hearing Center in Kajetany drew attention to the need for appropriate legal regulations on image protection and the use of AI technology. He also stressed that the owners of online platforms should react quickly to prevent such abuse. With the growing number of cases of deepfake being used for fraudulent purposes, educating the public about the potential dangers and developing tools to detect fake content become crucial.
All official statements and announcements by Prof. Henryk Skarżyński related to public health are published exclusively on the official website of the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing or on his personal website.
Prof. Skarżyński’s case is another warning of the dangers of uncontrolled development and use of AI technologies. It underscores the need for close cooperation between researchers, lawmakers and online platforms to ensure the safety and security of both professionals and patients.
