By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance seeking to regulate the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology, amid growing concerns over digital misinformation and online impersonation.
The proposed ordinance aims to protect the public from deceptive AI-generated content and preserve the integrity of official government communications.
The measure seeks to prohibit the creation, publication or distribution of AI-generated materials falsely presented as official communications of the city government.
It also penalizes the unauthorized use of government seals, logos, voices, likenesses, and digital identities in manipulated or deceptive content.
Councilor Caesar Distrito said the ordinance was crafted in response to the rapid rise of AI tools and the increasing risks posed by deepfakes and fabricated digital materials.
“AI offers enormous opportunities for innovation and better public service, but we must also recognize the dangers posed by its malicious use,” Distrito said, adding that the measure aims to strengthen responsible digital citizenship while safeguarding public trust.
Under the proposal, the city government would establish digital authentication systems for official communications, including verified social media accounts, digital signatures, quick response verification systems, and other tools that would help residents distinguish legitimate government information from manipulated content.
The ordinance also encourages the responsible use of AI in local governance, particularly in administrative services, disaster response, research, public information, and service delivery, provided these comply with existing privacy and transparency laws.
Councilor Jason Villarosa emphasized that the proposed regulation is intended to promote ethical and responsible innovation rather than restrict technological advancement.
“This measure is not against innovation. Rather, it ensures that technological advancements are used responsibly and ethically, while protecting the public from deception, fraud and harmful misinformation,” Villarosa said.
The proposed ordinance further directs the City Information Office to conduct information campaigns on deepfake detection, AI-generated misinformation, and responsible use of digital platforms.
Violators may face fines and community service penalties, while city government employees found liable under the ordinance could also face administrative sanctions under civil service regulations.
The measure will still undergo further deliberations and public consultations before it can advance to succeeding readings and possible enactment./CJ, WDJ