Gibo to DND, AFP: To prevent security risks, don’t use AI image apps

Lade Jean Kabagani·20 October 2023, 5:18 pm·1 min read

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Gibo to DND, AFP: To prevent security risks, don’t use AI image apps — FILE PHOTO: Secretary of National Defense Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has issued a memorandum order directing all employees of the Department of National Defense as well as personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to refrain from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) photo generator applications, to prevent any security risks.

In a chance interview with media on Friday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Teodoro's internal order was primarily intended for the defense department and its attached bureaus.

"In light of the fact that the risks and threats posed by these AI applications have not yet been established with certainty, the Secretary of National Defense has deemed it prudent to advise our personnel and the bureaus, especially the AFP, to refrain from using these apps," Andolong said.

Andolong said the DND expects personnel from the defense sector to follow Teodoro's order.

"We all know that the defense department and its attached bureaus have many high-profile personalities among us and any violation of privacy, of theft of data and their identities, poses a great risk to them," he stressed, adding, "I will not venture more into that because I'm not an IT expert but this could be used for activities that may lead to compromise our national security."

In a memorandum order dated 18 October, Teodoro warned that AI-powered applications seemed "harmless and amusing" but could be "maliciously used" to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks and other erring activities that may compromise someone's personal data.

The defense chief added that there has already been a report of such a case.

"The online trending digital application that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), which requires its users to submit at least ten (10) photos of themselves to generate an enhanced portrait, poses significant privacy and security risks. This application compiles its users' data and creates a digital person that mimics how a real individual speaks and moves," he noted.

Teodoro reminded DND and AFP personnel to ensure that their actions "are aligned to the department's values and are in adherence to existing policies."