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Technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, revolutionizing the way we live and interact globally. However, alongside its progress, there are individuals who exploit technology for malicious purposes. In 2017, the term “deepfake” was coined by a Reddit user, initially associated with pornographic content. From its inception rooted in harmful intent, deepfakes have evolved into a tool with far-reaching consequences, including their alarming impact on elections.
On the international stage, reports leading up to the United States elections have highlighted the use of artificial intelligence-powered deepfakes to influence voters. For instance, fake videos and images targeting electoral candidate Kamala Harris were allegedly disseminated by the camp of Donald Trump, showcasing the potential of deepfakes to distort public perception.
Closer to home, concerns have been raised about the role of deepfakes in the upcoming 2025 Philippine elections. A multinational company has warned that βfalsely generated videos, images, and audio powered by AIβ could be weaponized to tarnish or bolster the reputation of electoral candidates. Deepfakes are designed to spread misinformation, manipulating public opinion by portraying individuals saying or doing things they never actually did. In April 2024, a deepfake video of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. surfaced, depicting him authorizing the Philippine Armed Forces to attack China. This video was swiftly denounced by MalacaΓ±ang as a fabricated deepfake, underscoring the dangers posed by this technology.
As the election season approaches, the proliferation of misinformation is inevitable. Deepfakes are poised to play a significant role in shaping public opinion, much like the tactics employed by trolls during the previous national elections. To counteract this threat, it is imperative for the public to cultivate discernment and develop the ability to distinguish between genuine and fabricated content. By becoming media and information-literate individuals, we can arm ourselves with the knowledge needed to critically evaluate information.
AI deepfakes are not merely a threat to electionsβthey pose a danger to society as a whole. Let us remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the integrity of information and democracy.
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