A banned promoter of cancer ‘cures’ was hijacked by genAI. Now the internet is ‘flooded with garbage’

Barbara O'Neill was banned from providing any health services in New South Wales or other Australian states five years ago .

She was found to have given highly risky health advice to vulnerable people, including the use of bicarbonate soda as a cancer treatment.

Since then her views have found a much larger audience overseas and online, supported by elements of the Seventh-day Adventist church and media networks in the US .

A vast scam economy has grown up that profits from her notoriety without her authorisation.

Barbara O'Neill has featured prominently on media published by Amazing Discoveries , a channel that broadcasts messages on “health, creation-evolution, media, current events, Bible prophecy, history, and Christian living” Seventh-day Adventist networks have helped O’Neill continue to share her message.

She has spoken at retreats and conferences organised by SDA institutes and colleges, though not all are affiliated with official church leadership.

Facebook ads claim she has recommended everything from herbal salves to supplements that help men with impotence.

An HCCC spokesperson said it could not comment on specific cases or speculate on potential complaints. “The global spread of health misinformation through social media is an ongoing concern for the commission,” he said. O’Neill did not respond to requests for comment..