Fight fake news; regulate AI use

In an era where information flows ceaselessly through digital channels, the integrity of that information is paramount to the health of our democracy.

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The recent initiative by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz to combat the proliferation of fake news underscores a critical commitment to safeguarding informed public discourse in the Philippines. Addressing the House of Representatives on March 21, Secretary Ruiz highlighted the escalating threat posed by misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing the need for collective action to preserve the sanctity of truth in our national dialogue. He conveyed the same message in a dialogue at the Manila Bulletin recently as he made the rounds of major media organizations.

The menace of fake news is not unique to the Philippines. In July 2011, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, which imposes a maximum penalty of "prision mayor," a medium-term afflictive penalty, ranging from six years, one day to 12 years; and a maximum fine of P1 million. Given the increased incidence and risks posed by the rapid acceleration of the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), government must ascertain the sufficiency of the current scale of penalties.