Former Philippine congressman Francisco Ashley Acedillo proposed the establishment of an agency to regulate AI technology to prevent the risk of criminal abuse.

Francisco Ashley Acedillo, Deputy Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (Nica) of the Philippines, called for increased regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the Philippines on October 10.

He warned that technologies like ChatGPT could not only serve educational and business purposes but could also be exploited by terrorist and criminal groups.

Acedillo proposed the creation of a new government agency to oversee the development and application of AI, especially since companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta are holding the most advanced AI platforms. He said close cooperation with tech corporations is needed to ensure the safety of AI technology in the Philippines.

As an example of the potential for criminals to use AI, Mr. Acedillo mentioned the recent deepfake video involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in which he was allegedly shown receiving a package containing white powder that many people misunderstood.

Acedillo warns that if even the President can fall victim to deepfakes, ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable to similar technologies.

A regulator can also educate universities and the public on how to use AI platforms and how to use them properly, said Francisco Ashley Acedillo, deputy director general of NICA.

He also stressed the importance of international cooperation to prevent terrorist organizations from accessing AI technology to develop weapons of mass destruction.

Establishing an AI regulator is not only about preventing misuse of the technology, but also about educating universities and the public about how to use AI appropriately and safely.