Can AI Ban in 2025 Elections Campaigns Ensure Clean Elections?

 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently announced plans to ban the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfakes in campaign materials for the 2025 midterm elections. This move aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and deceit among voters and candidates. But is this ban effective in ensuring transparency, or is it an overreach that stifles innovation and responsible AI use?

Background: The Concerns

The ban is a response to growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology, particularly deepfakes, which can manipulate images, videos, and audio recordings to deceive viewers. The Comelec Chairperson, George Garcia, highlighted the threat of AI technology, citing an incident where even the President of the country fell victim to AI-generated deepfake videos intended to deceive viewers. Garcia emphasized that the misuse of AI technology in campaign materials could lead to fraudulent misrepresentation of candidates, undermining the integrity of the elections.

The Ban: Coverage and Feasibility

The ban specifically targets deepfakes and AI-generated campaign materials, including videos, audios, and other media forms. However, the question remains: does this ban cover all AI applications or just deepfakes? If it only targets deepfakes, does that mean other AI applications, such as data analysis and automation, are exempt? The Comelec needs to clarify the scope of the ban to ensure that it is comprehensive and effective.

Moreover, is the ban even feasible? With the rapid evolution of AI technology, it may be challenging for the Comelec to keep up with the latest developments and prevent the misuse of AI. Additionally, the ban may inadvertently stifle innovation and responsible AI use in campaigns. AI can be a powerful tool for candidates to engage with voters and provide accurate information. By banning AI, the Comelec may be limiting the potential benefits of technology in the election process.

The Productivity of the Ban

The ban may also raise questions about its productivity. Will it effectively prevent the spread of misinformation and deceit, or will it simply drive the misuse of AI underground? The Comelec needs to consider the potential consequences of the ban and whether it will ultimately achieve its intended goal of ensuring transparency in the election process.

Conclusion

The Comelec's decision to ban AI and deepfakes in campaign materials for the 2025 midterm elections is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While the ban aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and deceit, it also raises questions about its feasibility and productivity. The Comelec needs to clarify the scope of the ban, ensure that it is comprehensive and effective, and consider the potential consequences of the ban on innovation and responsible AI use in campaigns.