Manila: 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has reiterated his appeal for the urgent establishment of a governmental watchdog focused on the usage and development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the Philippines. This call to action comes in response to the growing misuse and spread of AI-generated deepfakes, misinformation, and other false narratives online, which Barbers claims pose a significant threat to society and humanity.
According to Philippines News Agency, Barbers' call aligns with recent events involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who faced criticism from netizens after sharing an AI-generated video on social media. The video featured an 'interview' with two male students, purportedly from Thailand, speaking in Tagalog about their lack of support for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Barbers emphasized the need for a 'watchdog' to protect against the exploitation of AI by unscrupulous entities, including foreign propagandists, lobbyists, and terrorist groups. He urged for vigilance, stating, "We should not be caught unaware with this kind of issue."
The lawmaker highlighted the necessity of reviving and passing bills aimed at creating a government 'superbody' to promote and regulate the use and development of AI. This includes his March 2023 bill proposing the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA), which would oversee AI development, ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, and protect the rights and welfare of those affected by AI technologies.
Barbers acknowledged the potential benefits AI can offer for societal and economic development but stressed the importance of addressing associated risks and challenges. He noted that regulators worldwide, including in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, have already implemented regulations for AI technology governance.
In his remarks, Barbers compared the need for AI preparedness to the government's readiness for natural disasters, advocating for measures to both harness AI's benefits and mitigate its potential negative impacts on society, the nation, and the economy.
