Deepfakes and Cyberattacks Expected to Surge Ahead of 2025 Philippine Elections

As the Philippines approaches its mid-term elections in May 2025, authorities are raising alarms about the escalating threats of deepfakes and cyberattacks. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has reported detecting between 200 to 300 deepfakes daily, underscoring the urgency of addressing these digital threats. ​

During the conference titled “Forging Collaborative Cyber Resilience: Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Democratic Institutions,” held on March 11 and 12 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City, CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos emphasized the pressing need to tackle the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes. He highlighted that with elections just weeks away, these malicious technologies could create significant disruptions. ​

In response to these threats, the CICC is adopting a comprehensive approach by collaborating with various stakeholders to establish a nationwide task force. This coalition will include representatives from government agencies, technology companies, media organizations, educational institutions, and civil society. The objective is to develop guidelines and reporting mechanisms to effectively combat the proliferation of deepfakes.

To bolster its capabilities, the CICC has acquired advanced software capable of detecting deepfakes within 30 seconds, boasting a 95% accuracy rate. This technological advancement is crucial in swiftly identifying and mitigating the impact of fraudulent media content. ​

The rise of deepfakes poses a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process, as they can be used to disseminate false information and manipulate public perception. Recognizing this danger, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is working closely with the CICC to monitor and regulate the use of artificial intelligence and deepfakes in political campaigns. COMELEC has also proposed requiring candidates to disclose any AI-generated content used in their campaigns to ensure transparency and uphold the principle of truthfulness. ​

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has acknowledged the difficulty of attributing cyber intrusions to specific attackers, as they sometimes leave misleading digital traces. However, the government is working through diplomatic channels and sharing intelligence with the military, including with other countries, to validate threats and strengthen defenses.

As the election date approaches, the CICC and other government bodies are intensifying efforts to safeguard the democratic process from cyber threats. The public is urged to remain vigilant and discerning, especially when encountering suspicious digital content, to collectively uphold the integrity of the upcoming elections.