Comelec eyes ban on AI, deepfakes

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to ban the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes during the campaign for the May 2025 midterm elections.

- MAYEN JAYMALIN

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body would tackle the issue next week.

"I will convince our commission en banc to prohibit during the campaign period the use of AI and deepfakes, because many are confused and misrepresented, and untruths abound when these are used," Garcia told reporters yesterday.

"We know modern technology. Why don't we use it? However, when campaigning, you should be the one that is seen by the people," he added.

The use of AI can be considered a threat to democracy and proper campaigning by candidates, according to the Comelec chief.

In a letter sent to the Comelec en banc, Garcia emphasized that there is growing concern on the threat of AI and deepfakes that could be used to sow deceit and misinformation among voters.

He noted that President Marcos himself, as well as other heads of states, have become victims of deepfake videos.

Deepfakes are synthetic media that have been digitally manipulated to replace a person's likeness.

Garcia stressed that his letter to the poll body was a general request concerning a possible ban on the use of AI and deepfakes, but he said the commission gets feedback from its law department and its education and information department on what aspects of AI should be restricted during the campaign.

Party-list substitution

After banning the substitution of candidates in the national and local elections, the Comelec intends to impose a similar prohibition on party-list nominees who will participate in the next year's elections.

Garcia said the poll body intends to require party-list groups to submit 10 nominees instead of the previous requirement of five.

He added that the Comelec would impose the requirement to prevent instances of substitution long after the party-list elections.