NBI to monitor deepfakes, fake news ahead of polls

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced on Sunday that it will closely monitor online activities involving deepfakes, fake news, and red-tagging as part of its efforts to curb cyber-related offenses ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed the move in a Viber message to The STAR, stating that the agency will be keeping an eye on all cybercrime-related activities during the election period.

The announcement follows a report from election watchdogs Kontra Daya and Vote Report PH, which flagged red-tagging, the use of deepfakes, and illegal campaigning as the most common election violations observed so far.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) responded to the report, stating that it will review the allegations and cross-check them with its own records.

“We are one with them on the fight against discriminatory acts and utterance committed during the election period and will hold responsible violators of campaign rules,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia told reporters.

NBI Director Santiago also said on Thursday that the agency will launch investigations into vloggers and social media trolls accused of spreading false information online.

He warned that the NBI’s cybercrime unit is taking action against digital misinformation and is preparing to file cases against violators, including US-based vlogger Maharlika, for potential breaches of the anti-cybercrime law and inciting to sedition.

Legal actions are expected to be filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the coming days or weeks.

Santiago cautioned those engaged in misinformation campaigns to cease their activities or risk legal consequences, stressing that while freedom of speech and the press are protected rights, they have legal boundaries.— Philippine Star News Service/FPL