Comelec to discuss possible AI ban in 2025 polls next week

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Saturday that discussions will begin next week on the proposed ban on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes for the 2025 elections. 

“Sa Wednesday po tatalakayin ‘yan ng commission en banc... Madami po tayong kokonsultahin dito sa puntong ito patungkol sa AI,” said Comelec chairperson George Garcia in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB. 

(The commission en banc would discuss that on Wednesday. We will consult several experts regarding the matter.)

Garcia earlier proposed to the Comelec en banc to prohibit candidates from using AI technology and deepfakes in their electoral campaigns.

“The abuse of this technology in campaign materials such as videos, audios, or other media forms may amount to fraudulent misrepresentation of candidates,” Garcia said.

AI is the simulation of human intelligence in machines or computers while deepfake is a digitally manipulated recording that shows fake images, audio and video hoaxes.

“Tatandaan natin, hindi naman lahat ng AI ay masama….Pero yung AI na nagca-cause ng disinformation o kaya para sirain ang iyong mga kalaban, o kaya naman para sirain ang integridad ng ating halalan, ayan ang tinatatwag natin na bad AI,” he added. 

(Let us remember that not all AI are harmful…But the AI that is used to spread disinformation or to destroy the reputation of your opponent, or the integrity of the election. That’s what we call bad AI.) 

“Ang importante dito kung magkakaroon ng regulasyon ang Comelec…yung mga platform mao-obliga ngayon, dahil prohibited o regulated, mao-obliga ngayon na sundin agad ang Comelec.” 

(What is important here is that there will be a regulation by the Comelec…the social media platforms would be obligated to immediately follow the Comelec because AI would be prohibited or regulated by that time.) 

Comelec earlier called on Congress to craft a law allowing the poll body to regulate the social media posts of candidates during campaign periods to avoid the spread of disinformation. 

There are currently no laws prohibiting the use of deepfakes. But a House bill was filed last year seeking 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. —VAL, GMA Integrated News