YouTube is currently hosting numerous ads that feature deepfaked celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone endorsing supplements meant to treat erectile dysfunction in men. These ads, discovered by Alexios Mantzarlis, have been running since November 12 and have over 300 variations. Some ads feature non-celebrity women discussing the benefits of the supplements, while others use deepfakes of famous figures like Mike Tyson and Terry Crews.
The ads redirect users to a website called “thrivewithcuriosity.com,” where a 40-minute explicit video promotes the miracle drug Prolong Power, claiming it can help men achieve longer-lasting erections. The video includes manipulated footage of celebrities like Sylvester Stallone and Tom Hanks, making false claims about the product. The supplement, which contains ingredients like oat bran and fennel seed, is sold online for $49 per bottle.
After discovering these deceptive ads, Google took action, removing them from YouTube and suspending the account responsible. The tech giant stated that it prohibits ads that falsely claim celebrity endorsements to deceive consumers. However, this incident highlights the challenges of combating deepfake content and scam advertisements on digital platforms.
Investigative journalist Emanuel Maiberg, who uncovered these ads, continues to explore and expose deceptive practices in the tech industry. For more information on this story and other tech-related investigations, contact Emanuel Maiberg at emanuel@404media.co.
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