GTA pharmacist allegedly behind deepfake porn site now on leave, says hospital network CEO
A hospital pharmacist at Oak Valley Health network in Toronto, David Do, has been placed on leave following allegations linking him to the popular deepfake porn site, MrDeepFakes.com. The site, known for hosting thousands of non-consensual and sometimes violent deepfake videos and images of celebrities, politicians, and private citizens, went offline earlier this month.
Do’s alleged involvement in the site was uncovered through a collaborative investigation by CBC News, Bellingcat, Politiken, and Tjekdet. Data from the web, public records, and forensic analysis of the site pointed to his prominent role in its operations.
In response to the allegations, Oak Valley Health’s president and CEO, Mark Fam, confirmed that Do is currently not working at Markham Stouffville Hospital and Uxbridge Hospital while an internal investigation is ongoing. Fam emphasized the organization’s condemnation of any form of violent or non-consensual sexual imagery and stated that they are actively investigating the allegations.
The Ontario College of Pharmacists is also involved in the investigation, as their code of ethics prohibits members from engaging in any form of harassment, including the display or circulation of offensive images or materials.
Despite multiple requests for comment, Do has not responded to inquiries from CBC News. When approached by a reporter at the hospital, he claimed ignorance of the allegations. The site, MrDeepFakes.com, went offline just before the joint investigation findings were made public.
While sharing non-consensual deepfake porn is illegal in several countries, including Australia, South Korea, and the U.K., it is not currently a crime in Canada. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to pass legislation criminalizing such activities in the near future.
As the investigation unfolds, Oak Valley Health continues to prioritize the well-being of its staff and patients, working closely with internal and external authorities to address the allegations against Do.
