In the wake of the misuse and proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes, lies, disinformation and other false narratives on the Internet that poses danger to society and humanity, a lawmaker from Mindanao sought for the revival and passage of a pending bill that seeks the creation of a government “watchdog” on AI technology usage and development in the country.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairperson of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and lead chairman of House Quad Committee, said alarms have been raised globally by various advocacy groups and tech insiders that the new crop of AI-powered chatbots could be used by saboteurs, bandits, terrorists and unscrupulous individuals for criminal ends.
He said the country’s policymakers and lawmakers should seriously consider the revival and passage of bills regarding creation of a government “super body,” which would promote and regulate use and development of the rapidly ascending AI technology.
Barbers said that as early as March of 2023, prior to the massive descent of AI-generated technology in the country, he had filed a bill calling for the creation of a “super body” to be known as Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA) to oversee the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring compliance with AI ethics principles and guidelines, and protecting the rights and welfare of individuals and communities affected by AI technologies.
“While the rapid phase of technological advancement in AI provides huge potential in the development of the people and the economy, it also poses risks and challenges that must be addressed to ensure that its benefits are maximized, and its negative impacts are minimized, if not avoided,” Barbers said.
