DICT Plans AI-Powered Fake News Detection System
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced its plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) in its monitoring against fake news and online scams. This move aims to strengthen the fight against misinformation spreading across social media platforms.
During the final hearing of the House tri-committee on June 5, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda shared that the agency is working closely with various social media companies to curb disinformation. “Sa DICT naman po ano ang ginagawa namin, meron na po kaming ginagawang AI-powered system para maka-detect ng fake news at online scams,” he said.
Filipino-Made AI System to Combat Disinformation
Secretary Aguda emphasized that the AI-powered system is developed by talented Filipino innovators. “May gawang Pilipino, matatalino po yung mga bata. Gumawa sila ng sistema na pwede naming i-endorse ngayon sa Meta at tsaka mga other platforms na gamitin nila para mag-detect ng fake news. Gawang Pilipino po yan,” he explained. He expressed hope that Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, would accept this locally made technology.
With the Philippines recently holding mid-term elections, the urgency to address fake news has increased. Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel, a member of the tri-committee, revealed he was personally targeted by false information. “Naging saksi po tayo sa malawakang pagpapakalat ng fake news na maging ako po ay hindi nakaligtas,” he said.
Meta’s Demotion System and the Need for Proactive Measures
Aguda also reported that Meta plans to implement a “demotion” system that would quickly limit the spread of posts flagged as false by users. However, he stressed that a more proactive approach would be preferable. “Sa amin ang mas gusto naman ay isang masusing regulasyon para talagang…hindi na ba reactive yung pag-attend sa fake news, proactive na,” he remarked.
The tri-committee, chaired by Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, will produce a committee report to conclude its hearings in the 19th Congress. Fernandez highlighted the importance of this report to pave the way for stronger measures against online misinformation.
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