The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced plans to ban the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-aided election campaign and propaganda materials during the campaign period for the 2025 elections.
In a brief statement, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said he will recommend to the en banc the prohibition of deepfakes in campaign activities by candidates, party-lists, and political parties.
Garcia highlighted growing concerns among election management experts about the threat of AI technology, particularly deepfakes, which can sow deceit and misinformation among voters and candidates.
He cited an incident where even the President of the country fell victim to AI-generated deepfake videos intended to deceive viewers.
Garcia expressed fears that the misuse of AI technology in campaign materials—including videos, audios, and other media forms—could lead to fraudulent misrepresentation of candidates.
“This defeats the very purpose of a campaign, which is to fully and truthfully inform the voting public about the elections [and] the candidates,” he added.
Previously, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay suggested formulating policies regarding the use of AI in producing election materials, whether printed or digital, which could be implemented in time for the 2025 midterm elections.
Bulay noted that misrepresentation, if expanded to cover a candidate’s personality, could become criminal misrepresentation when violated and serve as grounds for the cancellation of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC).
“The concept of misrepresentation is also included in the principle of truth in advertising…something along this line,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Comelec to ban use of AI-generated campaign materials for 2025 polls amid deepfake concerns“.
