Adi Joaquim Tolentino

University of the Philippines Professor Rachel Khan has warned the media about the shortcomings of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its unreliability in information.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine News Agency.

During the National Information Summit held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City on Sept. 28, 2024, Khan reminded the public that AI should be used with caution.

“I am happy that PCO (Presidential Communication Office) is doing this. You’re looking at people using this information, recognizing the problem. I think it’s important also to discuss this with other information officers of agencies, precisely because even the relationship between the press and agencies doesn’t have to be adversarial,” she said.

She emphasized some of the shortcomings of AI which are its lack of thinking and understanding, biases, and handling its tone.

However, it can be also used to speed up production, and investigations, utilize archival content, gain knowledge of the audience’s preferences, and enhance engagement.

While it can be an effective tool, Khan stated that human intelligence still wins as AI should be handled with care.

"It’s about intent. Intent is the problem. It can harm. If you’re seeking harm, you know that’s what we need to detect,” she added.

Gemma Mendoza, digital strategy head of an online news organization, also added that creating fake news and deep fakes is often cheaper than investing in the tools needed to detect and combat such misinformation.

“Government communicators need to be concerned about disinformation. When you manipulate, there’s intent to deceive. Misinformation and disinformation bring real-life consequences,” she stated.

She said that it should be a collaborative effort to address disinformation.

Presidential Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez vowed to access the private sector for information literacy to help fight off fake news made by AI.

“We can have a crash course on fact-checking or how to avoid becoming peddlers of fake news,” he added.

He emphasized that detecting fake news on government and private information platforms is deemed necessary as there will be an emergence of black propaganda in the 2025 elections.