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Recto calls for Senate inquiry on ‘deepfake’ tech


Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto is set to call for a Senate inquiry on the proliferation of "deepfake" technology that involves image, video, or audio clip that is doctored using deep learning to make it appear like the real thing.

In a statement on Saturday, Recto said Senate Resolution No. 188 aims to strengthen the implementation of cybercrime and data privacy laws, safeguard the privacy, information, and identity of citizens, and protect the integrity of Philippine institutions.

Deepfakes are audiovisual materials generated by artificial-intelligence (AI) which can be construed as "real" by viewers, and can have troubling effects on society, Recto said.

According to him, deepfakes are "manufactured videos which are hard to debunk or disprove because of the sophisticated way they were done."

In his statement, he listed down the harmful effects of deepfake technology, should they be used to spread lies.

Recto said that deepfakes can be maliciously used to: mimic a president making a public announcement, create panic if a public official is the subject of a deepfake warning, endorse products that are scams, subvert elections through attack ads, and become a tool for revenge porn.

"The resolution’s intent is to trigger a discussion on this phenomenon, limited to use of this technology for criminal purposes. It does not include its use for creative, legal and beneficial endeavors like in cinema," he said. — MDM, GMA News

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