Protect people from inaccurate AI-generated health information

We, as individuals living in the global digital era, are deeply concerned about the growing prevalence of inaccurate AI-generated health information circulating on social media. Such misinformation carries the potential for serious harm, particularly among teenagers who have not vet developed the discernment to evaluate sources critically. The risks are even greater in matters concerning mental health, where misleading advice can directly influence vulnerable individluals' choices and well-being. For these reasons, we strongly urge the FDA to enact legislation requiring all AI-generated health content to be clearly and prominently labeled
The rapid and unchecked spread of AI-generated health material has already produced alarming consequences. Much of this content is written in a tone that mimics professional medical advice yet it is created without clinical oversight, peer review, or accountability. Because of its persuasive style and wide reach, many readers mistakenly regard such statements as credible, placing their health and safety in jeopardy Documented cases already demonstrate the risks: NBC News reported instances in which individuals turned to chatbots for guidance in dealing with depression and anxiety, only to find their conditions deteriorating. Scientific American has likewise noted that Al systems frequently "hallucinate," generating confident but entirely inaccurate claims that can misleac vulnerable users into making dangerous decisions.
This concern is compounded by the public's limited ability to distinguish between automated writing and qualified medical expertise. A Pew Research Center survev found that more than 60% of Americans struggle to determine whether content was created by Al. This gap in digital literacy is particularly perilous in the realm of mental health. where unverified narratives can encourage misguided self-diagnosis, delay professional treatment, or even promote harmful practices.
The issue extends far bevond individual cases, According to Nature Medicine, uncheckec dissemination of Al-driven misinformation threatens to erode public confidence in evidence-based medicine and weaken the credibilitv of licensed healthcare professionals. Similarly, the World Health Organization has warned that health-related falsehoods. when amplified by digital technologies, constitute a global public health threat. Without clear safeguards, the public risks being misled on a massive scale, undermining not only personal well-being but also the broader trust that society places in legitimate medical science
For these reasons. the need for decisive action is urgent. Transparent labeling of AI-generated health content would not restrict innovation, but rather ensure accountability and protect vulnerable communities from preventable harm. At stake is more than just information accuracy it is the integrity of our healthcare systems, the protection of public trust, and, ultimately, the safeguarding of human lives.