Government Urges for Digital Services Act to Combat Online Disinformation and Deepfakes
The proliferation of fake news and the emergence of sophisticated deepfake technology have prompted the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to call for urgent legislative action. PCO Chief Jay Ruiz, during a House panel hearing on online disinformation, stressed the need for a Digital Services Act, mirroring the European Union’s model, to combat the spread of harmful content online. He argued that existing mechanisms are insufficient to address the rapid dissemination of false information, particularly given the lack of physical presence of major social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube in the Philippines. This absence, he explained, creates delays in responding to complaints and taking down harmful posts. Ruiz emphasized that self-regulation by these platforms, while desirable, is not proving effective enough and requires a more robust framework. He urged Congress to embrace a "digital crusade" and strengthen existing laws by adopting internationally accepted standards for content moderation.
Ruiz underscored the escalating threat posed by deepfakes, where a person’s face and voice can be superimposed onto another individual’s image, making it increasingly difficult to differentiate between real and fabricated content. This technology, he warned, has the potential to be weaponized for malicious purposes, including scams and even the manipulation of election outcomes. He cited instances where deepfakes were used to impersonate well-known personalities to promote scams, raising concerns about the potential for this technology to undermine public trust and national security. He illustrated the severity of the threat by highlighting the potential for deepfakes to be used to create false representations of officials like the Chairman of the Commission on Elections, which he categorized as a national security risk.
The PCO chief highlighted the pervasive nature of online disinformation, stating that the fight against fake news has become as crucial as the fight against illegal drugs. He emphasized that the younger generation, spending significant amounts of time in the online world, is particularly vulnerable to the constant barrage of disinformation. This exposure, he argued, has far-reaching consequences, shaping their perceptions and potentially jeopardizing the future of the nation. He painted a picture of two co-existing worlds: the physical and the cyber, with the latter becoming increasingly influential, particularly for younger generations. The constant exposure to lies and negativity online, he argued, poses a serious threat to the development and mindset of future generations.
Ruiz passionately advocated for technology to be utilized as a force for good, emphasizing the need for truth to prevail over online falsehoods. He used a powerful analogy, stating that a lie repeated often enough can drown out the truth, highlighting the insidious nature of disinformation campaigns. He called for collective action, urging all stakeholders to unite against the common enemy of fake news. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that the fight against disinformation is not an adversarial one between different groups, but a shared responsibility to protect the integrity of information online.
The House panel hearing also included the participation of several content creators who shared their perspectives on the issue of online disinformation. Among them was MJ Quiambao Reyes, who has produced content questioning the official narrative surrounding the drug war deaths during the previous administration. Reyes maintained that her focus has always been on promoting good governance and free speech, asserting her neutrality in political affiliations. She positioned herself as an advocate for transparency and accountability, regardless of political allegiances.
This call for a Digital Services Act comes at a time when disinformation is recognized as a global challenge, undermining democratic processes and eroding public trust. The PCO’s push for legislation reflects a growing awareness of the need for proactive measures to combat the spread of fake news and deepfakes. The potential ramifications for national security and societal harmony underscore the urgency of addressing this issue effectively. The proposed Digital Services Act, modeled after the EU framework, aims to provide a legal framework for regulating online content while balancing the need to protect freedom of expression.