Michael Rowland and Norman Swan Warn Followers of AI Scam

Former ABC newsreader Michael Rowland and physician Norman Swan have alerted their followers to an AI-generated scam that falsely promoted a bizarre erectile dysfunction cure. On September 5, 2025, Rowland shared a video on Facebook, humorously addressing the alarming situation while emphasizing the importance of vigilance against such deceptive practices.

The video featured a fabricated segment of Rowland reporting from the ABC news desk, where the AI-generated version claimed that Swan had revealed a controversial method for restoring male virility in just 15 minutes. According to the video, “Norman Swan blew up the internet this morning by demonstrating a 30 second trick that restores potency in 15 minutes,” highlighting the sensational nature of the claims.

Rowland’s post included a cautionary message, urging his followers to report the scam if they encountered it on their social media feeds. He noted, “This would really blow up the internet! But, needless to say, it’s a SCAM.” His caption, which included hashtags such as #scam and #fakenews, helped to spread awareness about the fraudulent content.

The AI video continued with a distorted version of Swan, who purportedly instructed viewers on how to achieve “strong erections” and promised a return to a “normal and passionate sex life.” The misleading message concluded with an invitation to click a link for further information, claiming the video contained “information that is often blocked” by pharmaceutical companies.

Reactions to the post were mixed, with many followers joining in the light-hearted commentary. One user remarked, “Shouldn’t laugh but the accent,” while another quipped, “Bit ‘HARD’ to believe!” Such responses reflect a blend of amusement and disbelief surrounding the outlandish claims made in the AI-generated video.

Rowland, who retired from ABC in December 2024 after a distinguished career, is known for his engaging on-screen presence. He previously anchored significant events, including the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and the coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. His departure from the network left a notable gap, which was filled by James Glenday shortly after.

In his retirement announcement, Rowland expressed gratitude for his time at ABC, stating, “It’s been an immense privilege to be here for 15 years presenting the news to our viewers.” His commitment to journalistic integrity is evident in his proactive approach to warning the public about the AI scam.

As technology continues to evolve, the emergence of AI-generated content poses new challenges for public figures and the wider community. The incident involving Rowland and Swan serves as a reminder of the need for critical evaluation of online information and the importance of safeguarding personal identities against fraudulent schemes.