Barbers pushes for AI-regulating gov’t agency

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers —File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers urged his colleagues in the 20th Congress to revive his bill for the creation of a body to regulate the use and development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the country.

“As I have said earlier, we should have a ‘watchdog’ to guard against unscrupulous individuals, like foreign propagandists, lobbyists, bandits, or terrorist groups, that would take advantage of [AI] or use it for their selfish or criminal ends,” he said.

READ: DICT chief: AI regulation must balance innovation, governance

In March 2023, Barbers filed House Bill No. 7396, or the proposed AI Development and Regulation Act of the Philippines, which sought the creation of an AI Development Authority or Aida to oversee the development and use of AI technology in compliance with AI ethics principles and guidelines. —Jeannette I. Andrade