Imagine scrolling through your TikTok feed, only to stumble upon an ad featuring cheerful healthcare professionals from Boots, touting the miraculous effects of a weight loss drug. The catch? It's all a lie. These ads, which have been removed from the platform after a complaint from Boots, were cooked up by an imposter using artificial intelligence. This isn't just a marketing ploy gone wrong; it's illegal to advertise prescription-only weight loss drugs to the public.

Boots Takes Action

A spokesperson for Boots confirmed they were "aware" of these deceptive videos and had lodged a complaint with TikTok, which led to their removal. TikTok, in turn, stated that harmful or misleading AI-generated ads aren't allowed on their platform. But here's the kicker: while the original videos were pulled, the account behind them, likely operating from Hong Kong, wasn't immediately taken down. It had the audacity to re-upload the same misleading content.

The Repercussions

After TikTok was notified again, the offending account was finally deleted. But this isn't just a tale of digital cat and mouse. It highlights the broader problem of AI being used to churn out convincing yet entirely fake content. Sam Gregory, an expert in the field, pointed out how easy it is now to create convincing videos that impersonate real healthcare professionals. The real concern is how swiftly platforms act when scams like this emerge.

Inside the Fake Ads

These bogus TikTok ads weren't just misleading; they were downright dangerous. They linked to a shady website selling weight loss drugs, complete with fake testimonials from customers and doctors. The videos featured what seemed to be healthcare workers drinking a mysterious blue liquid, only to reappear months later dramatically thinner. The problem is, this wasn't just digital trickery—it was a potential risk to anyone who believed it.

Regulatory Warnings

While weight-loss jabs have been available on the NHS in England since June, they're not available over-the-counter. They're prescription-only, meant for patients meeting strict criteria. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warned that weight loss drugs should only be obtained from registered pharmacies with a proper prescription. Anything else is a gamble with serious health risks.

Boots' Official Stance

Boots clarified they only advertise on social media through their official account, @BootsUK. The fake account mimicked their branding, using the handle @BootsOfficial, and even repurposed real people's content without permission. The whole charade was a stark reminder of the perils of counterfeit products and the need for vigilance online.

The Way Forward for TikTok

TikTok claims it's working to "strengthen" its detection of AI-generated content, reiterating its stance against promoting controlled substances. But this incident raises bigger questions about how platforms handle the intersection of technology, truth, and safety. It's a digital Wild West, and only time will tell how well the sheriffs of the internet can keep the peace.