The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), an attached agency of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), assured the government has sufficient technology and tools to counter deepfakes and manipulations through artificial intelligence (AI).
“Mabilis mag-evolve ang technology. what could be applicable now will not be applicable next month. So, we continuously search for flexible tools that could address it. But right now we have sufficient technology to detect it (deepfakes),” Alexander Ramos, Executive Director of the CICC, said in a news forum in Quezon City.
Ramos made the remarks when asked about the country’s preparedness to counter the threats posed by AI and deep fakes amid the midterm elections next year.
But Ramos said the technology used by the government through subscription is expensive because of its multiple applications. He said the technology is not solely for election-related purposes but also for tactical and commercial monitoring.
It could monitor content that will be used for destabilization and malfeasance, he said. It will be used by online manipulators and scammers, he added.
“We have a lot of complaints coming from personalities whose pictures, videos, and even their voices are being used to sell products na hindi naman nila ino-authorize,” he said.
Asked by reporters why the government relies on subscription instead of buying the technology for continuous usage, Ramos said his agency does not have the budget for it.
“Maybe we can ask DBM (Department of Budget and Management) or Congress to increase our budget. Tandaan ninyo ho limited—mababa ho ang aming budget eh,” Ramos said.
The CICC, created under Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, is responsible for formulating a National Cybersecurity Plan and facilitating international cooperation on intelligence regarding cybersecurity issues.
It also serves as the lead agency in monitoring cybercrime cases handled by participating law enforcement and prosecution agencies. It also leads in recommending the enactment of appropriate laws, issuances, measures, and policies pursuant to its mandate.
The CICC also leads the Philippine government’s efforts to protect the country, institutions, and citizens against cybercrimes. | PND
