The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has raised the possibility that individuals who share deepfake videos could be held legally accountable under the Anti-Cybercrime Prevention Act.
DICT Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso specifically mentioned Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who previously shared a video of a child opposing an impeachment that was later confirmed to be AI-generated.
Paraiso noted that sharing manipulated content like the video falls under the “fruit of the poisonous tree” principle, which implies that any altered material used further becomes equally unlawful.
He emphasized that public officials bear greater responsibility when disseminating fake news or deepfakes, given their large following that can accelerate the spread of misinformation.
The DICT advised public figures to exercise caution in engaging with artificial intelligence to avoid becoming instruments of malicious intent.