Kidney Institute cautions vs. online jokes on selling kidneys for gadgets

MANILA – The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) on Wednesday cautioned against a social media trend featuring humorous posts and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images about selling or trading kidneys for gadgets.

The NKTI acknowledged that the posts are intended as jokes rather than incitements to unlawful acts.

However, it said that “human organs must never be treated as commodities or forms of payment.”

“Even when made in jest, such posts may be misunderstood, particularly by young or vulnerable audiences,” the NKTI added.

The institute said such content could spread misinformation, create false impressions that organ trading is legal, and trivialize the experiences of living donors, transplant recipients and patients awaiting transplants.

It urged the public to exercise greater sensitivity and responsibility when posting online and use digital platforms to promote accurate information and respect the dignity of those involved in organ donation.

“Organ donation is a gift of life – not a means of payment,” the NKTI said. (PNA)