Cybersecurity company Kaspersky is warning Filipinos about the growing threat of deepfakes as concerns mount over the spread of manipulated content and calls for stronger legislation to address such misuse.
Kaspersky said deepfakes are no longer just entertainment experiments but have become part of a larger cyber risk ecosystem. The company warned that the technology, now easily accessible, is being used by cybercriminals to deceive and manipulate people online.
“They exploit trust, spread rapidly through digital platforms, and can harm both individuals and businesses,” said Sam Yan, head of Sales for Asia Emerging Countries at Kaspersky. “As the technology becomes more accessible, awareness, vigilance, and protection are more critical than ever.”
Kaspersky cited publicly available information from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), which states that it has also raised alarm over the surge in AI-generated pornographic content, following the Senate testimony of a Filipino actress who was a victim of a deepfake video. The agency said many of these videos are produced overseas by organized criminal groups involved in scams and illegal gambling.
Kaspersky said that addressing the deepfake issue requires a joint effort across sectors.
According to Heng Lee, head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, public education and awareness are essential to help people recognize deepfakes and understand their risks. He also urged companies to develop reliable tools that can accurately detect manipulated videos.
“Reputable studies have demonstrated that only one in four people can distinguish between deepfake and legitimate videos, even though many say they are confident of doing so,” Lee said. “This is a sobering reminder that anyone could possibly become a victim of deepfakes. Stronger legislation and better detection technologies will help address the deepfake crisis, but our best defense against the threat will still be individuals raising their guard against it.”