AI deepfakes could be used in 2025 elections, expert warns

Deepfake technology could be used in next year's midterm elections, an expert warned.

According to Tina Panganiban-Perez's report in 24 Oras on Tuesday, deepfakes have been used in other countries to manipulate the polls.

"Nakita na natin na sa ibang bansa meron na talagang instances na ginamit nga yung deepfake para mangialam sa kung paano patakbuhin ang eleksyon, ang kampanya," said Jamel Jacob, Foundation for Media Alternatives, Inc. (FMA) legal and policy advisory/coordinator.

(We already saw in other countries that there were instances where they used deepfake to meddle in the election process, and candidates’ campaigns.)

FMA advised the public to be more careful because not everything posted online is true.

"Isang negative na paggamit ng deepfakes ay yung pagkalat ng disinformation or misinformation," said Jacob.

(One of the negative uses of deepfakes is the spread of disinformation or misinformation.)

"Maaari siyang mag-cause ng panic, maaari siyang mag-cause ng kaguluhan or even away between dalawang bansa if meron mang maniwala," he added.

(These can cause panic, chaos, or even conflict between two countries if many people fall for them.)

Although there are tools to detect deepfake contents, the FMA said that these are still not totally accurate.

There are currently no laws prohibiting the use of deepfakes. But Cavite 2nd district Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla and her two sons, Cavite 1st district Rep. Jolo Revilla and Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla, have filed House Bill No. 9425 or the “Penalizing Deepfake Act” in 2023.

The bill seeks to impose a heftier penalty for the use of deepfake technology in committing crimes with a penalty one degree higher than those prescribed in the Revised Penal Code or corresponding laws.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the matter on deepfakes are part of the National Cybersecurity Plan.

The policy on deepfakes has yet to be released as consultation is still ongoing.

“Ang hirap sa paggawa ng policy diyan is that on the one hand, you have freedom of expression. On the other hand, of course, you have to regulate kasi it is harming someone,” said DICT Usec. Jeffrey Ian Dy.

(One of the problems in creating a policy on deepfakes is on one hand, you have freedom of expression. On the other hand, of course, you have to regulate it because it is harming someone.)—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News