Philippine Government Launches Probe into Alleged Deepfake Audio of President Marcos Jr. Discussing Military Action Against China

The Philippine government has initiated an inquiry into an alleged deepfake audio recording of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussing the May 9, 2022 elections. The manipulated digital content, which was uploaded to a YouTube channel called 'Dapat Balita' and shared on social media, purportedly features Marcos Jr. giving orders to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to attack China.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has instructed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the matter and hold accountable those responsible for the "deceiving act." The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have reported that the audio recordings of the President were maliciously manipulated using artificial intelligence.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has also mobilized to identify the individuals behind the deepfake videos. The authorities have stated that those responsible may face charges under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Why this matters: The proliferation of deepfake technology poses significant challenges to the integrity of information and public discourse, particularly in the context of elections and political communication. This incident underscores the need for robust measures to combat the spread of disinformation and protect the public from misleading content.

Combatting Fake News: The PCO has urged the public to remain vigilant and join the fight against fake news by being responsible social media users. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy emphasized the difficulty in ascertaining the truth due to the prevalence of deepfake technology and the need for the DICT to have the necessary tools and budgetary support to effectively combat cybersecurity threats, which he compared to a "war" that requires proper equipment and preparation.

The government has denied the existence of any order by President Marcos Jr. to take military action against China. "The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has confirmed that the audio is entirely fake and that no such directive has been made," the PCO stated. The investigation aims to hold accountable the individuals responsible for this "fake news" and to take appropriate legal action if warranted.

Key Takeaways

• Philippine govt launched probe into alleged deepfake audio of Pres. Marcos Jr.
• Manipulated audio claimed Marcos Jr. ordered military attack on China, which govt denied.
• Authorities tasked NBI to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.
• Deepfakes pose threat to info integrity, highlighting need for measures to combat disinformation.
• Govt urged public vigilance and called for tools/support to combat cybersecurity threats.