ARCON decries deepfake video of minister of health
…Urges Nigerians to report unethical advertisements
By Tunji Faleye
Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has decried deepfake video of the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate circulating on TikTok and other platforms advertising drugs for the treatment of prostate and weak erection.
In a statement released by ARCON signed by its Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo , the video is capable of misleading the general public to patronize the drugs using the personality of Professor Pate to endorsed it.
Investigation conducted by ARCON revealed that the essence of the video is to defraud the public of their hard-earn money.
While ARCON reiterated that the deceptive act is unacceptable and it is punishable under the law, ARCON said it will take all necessary steps, including legal action, to sanction platform owners, advertisers and advertising agencies that engage in the exposure of unethical advertisements.
The regulatory body disclosed that a special monitoring and enforcement task force has been mandated to track advertisements across all platforms, swiftly identify and flag non-compliant advertisements.
ARCON urged the general public to support this initiative by reporting any advertisement which appears deceptive, unethical, illegal, and contains unrealistic claims or promises.
It advised the general public to recommit to the principles of truthful, legal, decent and responsible advertising to stop misleading information.
Over the year, Nigeria’s digital advertising space has operated with little oversight. Brands, influencers, and content creators have produced misleading claims, and unethical practices that risk harming consumers and tarnishing the credibility of the advertising industry.
ARCON’s move to address this deepfake video will send a strong message that while creativity and innovation are encouraged, they must exist within a framework of honesty, professionalism, and respect for consumer rights.
In the end, regulated digital advertising will benefit everyone, consumers will be better protected, brands will operate on a fairer playing field, and the Nigerian advertising industry will grow stronger and more reputable on the global stage.
