Forum discusses AI’s effect on PH elections

- Advertisement -

CONCERNS surrounding the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the democratic process have prompted action from various sectors as the nation prepares for its next electoral cycle this coming May.

Recently, the Foundation of Media Alternatives (FMA) and Privacy.PH convened a panel of experts, including journalist Jaemark Tordecilla, Data Ethics PH founder Dominic Ligot, and Commission on Elections (Comelec) legal department head Mazna Lutchavez, to explore the multifaceted implications of this technology. The dialogue highlighted both the potential benefits and the inherent risks associated with AI’s integration into the electoral landscape.

The experts acknowledged the potential of AI to streamline research, efficiently manage large datasets, enhance social media campaigns through creative content, and improve productivity. They also noted that the integration of AI, rather than leading to job losses, is likely to create new employment opportunities requiring specialized skills in engineering and management. The intuitive nature of AI was also recognized as a tool for workforce reskilling. However, the discussion also addressed the significant challenges posed by AI, particularly the risks of disinformation and the environmental impact of training complex AI systems.

- Advertisement -

The panelists emphasized the substantial energy and time required for AI training, raising concerns about resource consumption. They also warned that even minor errors in AI training could lead to the propagation of disinformation, generating misleading and inaccurate outputs. The ethical use of AI was underscored as a critical concern, with panelists highlighting the potential for manipulation through deepfakes, copyright violations, and plagiarism.

The need for robust AI regulation in the Philippines was a recurring theme. Despite the country’s high level of interest in AI, it lags behind in adoption and regulatory measures. While AI has been gaining traction for several years, legislative efforts have only recently begun, and progress has been hampered by a perceived lack of understanding of AI’s potential and challenges in legislative prioritization. Recognizing the growing influence of AI on voters, the Comelec has taken steps to safeguard the electoral process.

While the use of AI in campaign content is permitted, the resolution emphasizes transparency. AI-generated materials must be clearly labeled using visible or audio watermarks and cryptographic metadata to ensure authenticity and traceability. Despite allowing AI in campaigns, the Comelec has explicitly prohibited the use of deepfakes, false amplifiers, and the spread of fake news, aiming to preserve the integrity of the electoral process in the face of evolving technologies.

The proposed Comelec Resolution 11064 seeks to establish the Task Force Katotohanan, Katapatan at Katarungan (TF KKK) to monitor online campaign activities and combat election-related misinformation across various internet platforms, including websites and social media. The resolution also mandates the registration of all internet-based campaign accounts, including social media accounts, with the Comelec, along with the registration of candidates and their authorized representatives.

Closing the event, COMELEC’s Lutchavez stressed that the development of robust regulatory frameworks, and public awareness campaigns will be essential saying that the election agency is fostering a technology-enhanced democratic process that is both innovative and secure.

Author

- Advertisement -

Share post: