QUEZON CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has said it is addressing concerns on the possible prevalent use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology as well as deepfake in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said on Oct. 17 they have sought the commitment of Google and social media giants like Meta and TikTok that they will not allow parties to spread disinformation using AI on their platforms.
“Malinaw ang kanilang pahayag, hindi sila papayag na magamit ang kanilang platforms sa misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, lalong lalo na sa deepfakes at maling paggamit ng AI,” Laudiangco said.
(They have clearly stated that they would not allow the use of their platforms for misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, especially deepfakes and improper application of AI.)
“Hindi rin sila papayag na makasangkapan para sirain o guluhin ang halalan at malinaw dito makikipag-cooperate sila sa Comelec sa pagpapatupad ng lahat ng batas pati na rin ng mga regulasyon, at kung kinakailangan, nakahanda silang mag-takedown ng mga content na lalabag sa ating mga batas at panuntunan pati na rin pagsuspinde o ultimately pag-takedown ng mga channels ng mga lumalabag ng batas,” he added.
(They will also not allow their platforms to be used to sow disorder in the elections. It is clear that they would cooperate with the Comelec in the implementation of all laws and regulations pertaining to the polls, and they are prepared to take down content that violate these laws and regulations, as well as suspend or ultimately take down channels that commit such violations.)
He likewise noted Comelec Resolution 11064, which introduces strict rules on the use of social media, artificial intelligence, and internet technologies for digital campaigns for the 2025 national and local elections and the BARMM parliamentary elections.
Through the Resolution, the poll body has banned the use of artificial intelligence and fake social media accounts as campaign materials for candidates or political parties in the 2025 midterm polls. It also prohibits the use of fake accounts and AI bots to spread misinformation or disinformation for or against any candidate or political party.
He said the resolution was crafted with the help of the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the different technology companies in the country. (PIA DMD)