Markham Stouffville pharmacist allegedly masquerading as deepfake porn pedlar, under investigation
A pharmacist at Oak Valley Health, which encompasses Markham Stouffville and Uxbridge hospitals, is under investigation by both his employer and the pharmacist college after a media report listed him as a key figure running a deep fake AI pornography website.
David Do was named in a CBC report on May 7 after an extensive investigation into his activities with MrDeepFakes[dot]com, the largest of this type of website in the world.
The website hosts thousands of deepfake porn videos where the images of celebrities, politicians, social-media influencers, other public figures as well as random people are made to appear, in realistic fashion, as though they are engaging in sexual activities.
Some of them are violent.
Viewers can also find deepfake creators on the website and hire them for hundreds of dollars to do work on specific videos with anyone's image.
Do is on leave from his work as a pharmacist, according to Oak Valley Health.
'(The) CBC published a story containing serious and concerning allegations against an Oak Valley Health employee,' wrote its communication and public affairs department in a statement to Metroland.
'The story alleges involvement in the distribution and creation of AI generated 'deep fake' pornography. This employee is not currently working at any of our sites. In consultation with legal counsel and in accordance with corporate policies, an internal investigation will be conducted.'
Meanwhile the Ontario College of Pharmacists said it is also investigating 'the conduct of this registrant.'
'As the investigation process is confidential, we are not able to provide any further details. Generally, the purpose of an investigation, which is conducted thoroughly and impartially, is to gather facts and evidence related to a registrant's alleged professional misconduct or incompetence and to present them to the inquiries, complaints and reports committee (ICRC),' the statement reads.
The ICRC can refer a registrant to its disciplinary committee, which can revoke or suspend the certificate of accreditation, impose terms, conditions or limitations on the certificate, order a fine, order payment of the college's costs and expenses, and reprimand the registrant.
MrDeepFakes has now shut down, citing the loss of a 'critical service provider' that has terminated service permanently.
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