DICT cautions public against use of AI generator apps

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday cautioned the public against using artificial intelligence (AI) image generator apps amid potential risks on personal data.

“Any application that would use your personal data, even your biometrics or facial recognition should be a cause for concern… The public should be cautious because we are parting with vital information that may be used to potentially do harm to us,” DICT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso told reporters in a virtual interview.

However, Paraiso said that potential risks of AI image generator apps still need to be studied thoroughly.

The DICT official made the comment after the Department of National Defense (DND) prohibited personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from using AI image generator apps for possible privacy and security risks.

Paraiso said the DICT is, likewise, joining the call to the public to be extra careful in using applications that require the sharing of personal information.

"Example is your pictures might be used as profile pictures in other pages… to ask for money," he said.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro had said that AI image generators can be used to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social engineering phishing attacks, and other malicious activities.

"The online trending digital application that uses Artificial Intelligence, which requires its users to submit at least 10 photos of themselves to generate an enhanced portrait, poses significant privacy and security risks," Teodoro said in the memo.—AOL, GMA Integrated News