In preparation for the 2025 national and local elections (NLE) as well as the Bangsamoro polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced the implementation of new regulations aimed at curbing the misuse of social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and online platforms for digital campaigning.
These rules, laid out in a recently promulgated resolution, aim to address modern challenges in election campaigning, particularly the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and unethical use of technology during the campaign period, as shared in a report by GMA News Online.
Guidelines for Digital Campaigning
Under the newly issued resolution, candidates, political parties, and their campaign teams are required to register all their official online platforms with the Comelec Education and Information Department (EID).
- These platforms include social media accounts, websites, podcasts, blogs, and other internet-based campaign tools.
- This registration must be completed within 30 calendar days after the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC), which is expected to conclude by December 13, 2024.
- The purpose of this registration is to promote transparency and accountability in the use of digital platforms during the campaign period.
- Once registered, the task force under the “Task Force sa Katotohanan, Katapatan, at Katarungan (KKK) sa Halalan,” led by the EID, will monitor and assess these accounts for any misuse.
- The task force will review the applications and determine whether they should be approved or denied by the Comelec en banc.
- Approved registrations will be published on the Comelec’s official website and social media pages for public reference.
Addressing AI Use in Campaign Materials
For the first time in Philippine electoral history, Comelec has established regulations specifically targeting the use of artificial intelligence in the creation of campaign materials.
- Candidates and parties will be required to disclose if any campaign paraphernalia or media content is produced using AI.
- The resolution mandates that disclosures and disclaimers about AI-generated content be clearly visible or audible before and after the presentation of such materials.
- This transparency is necessary to inform the public of any manipulations made through AI technology.
- Furthermore, the content must include a detailed explanation of the extent of AI use, as well as the consent of any individuals depicted in manipulated election materials.
- Comelec also emphasized the responsibility of entities involved in distributing AI-generated media to include proper disclosures in accordance with these guidelines.
- Failure to comply could result in penalties and the removal of offending content from public platforms.
Prohibited Activities During Campaign Period
As part of the regulation of online and digital campaigns, Comelec has outlined several prohibited activities that will be actively monitored by the task force.
These activities include:
- The use of fake accounts, bots, and astroturfing groups to spread disinformation or misinformation.
- Coordinated inauthentic behavior, such as artificially boosting content through hyperactive user networks.
- Creation and dissemination of deepfakes, cheapfakes, and other manipulated media aimed at deceiving voters.
- Use of fake or unregistered social media accounts for campaigning purposes.
- Production and distribution of fake news, particularly content aimed at undermining the Philippine election system, Comelec, or electoral processes.
- Use of AI-generated content that does not comply with the established transparency and disclosure requirements.
Any violation of these guidelines will result in the issuance of a show cause order (SCO), requiring the candidate or party involved to explain their actions.
The task force may also file election offense complaints against the violators and take appropriate legal action.
Penalties and Enforcement Mechanisms
To enforce these regulations, Comelec has partnered with various government agencies, including the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division, and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Together, these agencies will assist in monitoring, removing, or blocking offending digital platforms, social media accounts, and campaign materials that violate Comelec’s guidelines.
Additionally, the task force will work to immediately debunk any fake news targeting the Philippine election system, Comelec, or electoral processes.
The task force will be composed of legal experts, special investigators, cybersecurity officials, and highly skilled technical professionals hired by Comelec or other government agencies to oversee compliance.
Comelec Chairperson’s Statement
During a recent Senate hearing on Comelec’s proposed 2025 budget, Chairperson George Erwin Garcia expressed the importance of regulating digital campaigns and addressing the influence of social media on elections.
“We issued the guidelines on AI, digital campaigns, and the use of deepfakes and social media in general,” Garcia stated.
“We hope these guidelines will withstand legal scrutiny from top lawyers, and we hope they are given a chance.”
Garcia also emphasized that this is the first time Comelec has introduced such regulations for social media.
He explained that traditional media platforms like newspapers, radio, and television are already regulated, so it was time to extend these measures to the digital realm.
“Our hope is to penalize those responsible and, at the same time, hold accountable those who use social media during the campaign period,” Garcia added.
Moving Forward
The 2025 elections will mark a key moment in the Philippines’ efforts to regulate digital campaigning.
With the new Comelec resolution in place, both voters and candidates are expected to adapt to a more transparent and accountable campaign environment, where the misuse of AI and social media will be strictly monitored.
As technology continues to shape the political landscape, Comelec’s forward-thinking approach aims to safeguard the integrity of the election process, making sure that future elections are fair, transparent, and free from disinformation.
This resolution reflects the growing need to address the impact of digital platforms on democracy and election outcomes.
As the system evolves, it is expected that Comelec’s efforts to curb unethical practices in digital campaigning will serve as a precedent for future elections and governance reforms.