PCO warns vs. PBBM 'deepfake' asking AFP to act against another nation

MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday warned the public against a video content on social media that has been manipulated using deepfake technology to make it appear as if President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is directing the military to act against a particular country.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) belied the claim of the manipulated content that has been making the rounds in a popular video streaming platform.

"The audio deepfake attempts to make it appear as if the President has directed our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to act against a particular foreign country," the PCO said.

"No such directive exists nor has been made. Deepfakes are an advanced form of digital content manipulation through the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)."

Citing its Media and Information Literacy Campaign, the PCO said it is actively working on measures to combat fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.

It added that it is closely coordinating and working with relevant government agencies and private sector partners to address the proliferation and malicious use of video and audio deepfakes and other generative AI content.

It also urged the public to join the fight against fake news and be responsible social media users.

"Let us all be more vigilant against such manipulated digital content that are deployed by actors to propagate malicious content online and advance a malign influence agenda," the PCO said.

"We encourage everyone to work with us in fostering a more aware, resilient, and engaged citizenry in our digital commons." (PNA)