Deepfakes in the Philippines: GMA News Exposes Widespread Scam

Deepfakes Threaten Filipinos: GMA News Exposes Online Scam Targeting Michael V. and Others The Philippines is facing a growing problem with deepfake videos used for fraudulent online endorsements. GMA News recently highlighted a case involving comedian Michael V., whose image and voice were used without his consent to promote a product. This isn't an isolated incident; several other personalities, including GMA Integrated News anchors, have been targeted. "Mga Kapuso, maging mapanuri at mag-ingat sa mga video ng mga personalidad o artista na nag-eendorso ng mga produkto online dahil baka peke 'yan at ginamitan ng deepfake!" warned the GMA News report. This translates to: "Fellow Kapuso, be discerning and careful with videos of personalities or artists endorsing products online because they might be fake and use deepfakes!" The report details how AI is used to create realistic-looking deepfakes, making it increasingly difficult for viewers to distinguish them from genuine content. Dr. Gary Sy, whose image was also used in a deepfake, expressed concern about the impact on his credibility and reputation. "Yung mga pasyente ko mismo naapekttuhan din dahil ang feeling nila yung credibility ko is puro nagbebenta lang ako ng kung ano-ano." He explains how his patients felt his credibility was damaged by the deepfake. Authorities are taking action. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is actively working with social media platforms to remove these deepfakes. The video serves as a cautionary tale and a call for greater media literacy among Filipinos.