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Deepfake technology has evolved into a serious cybersecurity threat in the Philippines. Kaspersky reports that AI-generated content is being misused for fraud, identity theft, and political manipulation. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has noted a rise in deepfake abuse, particularly from foreign criminal groups. Experts are calling for stronger laws, better detection tools, and public education to combat the growing risk. Comments from Sam Yan, Head of Sales for Asia Emerging Countries at Kaspersky, were carried out as part of the coverage.

Global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has called for stronger legislation to address the growing threat of deepfake technology, warning Filipinos of its increasing prevalence and potential dangers.

Heng Lee, Kaspersky’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Asia Pacific, said in an statement yesterday that the rise of deepfakes demands a holistic response from society.

“Education and awareness are paramount to empower users to understand the dangers of deepfakes and identify the tell-tale signs of their deployment,” Lee said, adding that companies should also develop robust detection technologies capable of identifying deepfakes with precision.

‘Anyone can be a victim’

“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. This is a sobering reminder that anyone could possibly become a victim of deepfakes. Stronger legislation and better detection technologies will help address the crisis, but our best defense will still be individuals raising their guard against it,” he added.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) recently raised the alarm over the proliferation of deepfakes in the Philippines, particularly AI-generated pornographic content. The warning came after a popular Filipino actress testified in the Senate about being a victim of such schemes.

The CICC reported that many of these manipulated videos circulating locally are produced abroad, often by organized criminal groups involved in scams and illegal gambling.

Kaspersky advised users to be skeptical of viral content and verify whether videos or images come from credible news outlets or verified accounts. It also encouraged the use of reverse image or video search tools to detect manipulated content.

Warning: do not overshare

The company further advised the public to protect their online identities by avoiding oversharing personal photos, videos, and voice recordings on public platforms, as these materials can be used to generate convincing deepfakes.

For businesses, Kaspersky recommended ensuring that systems and software are updated regularly and that critical security patches are applied as soon as they become available. It also urged organizations to train staff to recognize phishing attempts, understand deepfake risks, and practice safe digital habits to secure their accounts and devices.

Meanwhile, Sam Yan, Kaspersky’s Head of Sales for Asia Emerging Countries, emphasized that deepfakes are no longer just a novelty but part of a broader cyber risk ecosystem.

“What was once an experimental technology used for entertainment has now evolved into a powerful tool for deception in the hands of cybercriminals,” Yan said. “They exploit trust, spread rapidly through digital platforms, and can harm both individuals and businesses. As the technology becomes more accessible, awareness, vigilance, and protection are more critical than ever.”