Father Shay Cullen
Millions of Filipinos open their mobile phones or computers every day, often unaware of the extent to which telecommunications companies [telcos] and internet service providers [ISPs], now enhanced by artificial intelligence [AI], use complex algorithms to enable calls, deliver information, and transmit messages and images in an instant.
This AI-driven Internet has become an unstoppable force in our lives. Its algorithms deliver information, execute commands, manipulate data, spread misinformation, and enable online abuse poses risks to millions of children and adults.
Some critics compare it to a criminal enterprise, enabled by telcos and overlooked by government authorities.
However, the Internet is also a force for good. It promotes justice and peace, supports human rights and core values, protects human dignity, spreads truth, and challenges oppression and exploitation in society with truth, compassion and kindness.
Merriam-Webster defines the Internet as an “electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organisational computer facilities around the world.” Access is made possible through servers owned and managed by telcos that send electronic signals to devices and connect people around the globe almost instantaneously.
However, the Internet is also a force for good. It promotes justice and peace, supports human rights and core values, protects human dignity, spreads truth, and challenges oppression and exploitation in society with truth, compassion and kindness
The now-AI-powered Internet signal is said to be the “new god.” It is almost omnipresent and seemingly omnipotent, as it controls human activities, especially financial systems that make the world function. It is a “god” that does not promise or make a new paradise on earth. It is a “god” more powerful than the humans that created it but cannot fully control.
With the rapid development of AI, a powerful software programme can make another that is more powerful. It is fast developing into “super intelligence,” causing grave concern around the world as computer experts and programmers warn that it is getting beyond their control.
The introduction of satellite Internet has made this “God-like presence” even more powerful—and potentially more dangerous—in our lives. It is almost untouchable, yet ever present.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
The prevalence of highly toxic content on platforms such as Reddit and Discord has prompted Philippine law enforcement to respond, although they face significant challenges in regulating harmful online behaviour.
The now-AI-powered Internet signal is said to be the ‘new god.’ It is almost omnipresent and seemingly omnipotent, as it controls human activities, especially financial systems that make the world function. It is a ‘god’ that does not promise or make a new paradise on earth
Reports indicate that these platforms are used to spread hate speech and may influence vulnerable individuals, as in the case of a 16-year-old Grade 9 student who fatally shot two people and wounded others at a school in South Cotabato province on September 18. These platforms have also been exploited by child abusers to contact and groom children for sexual acts.
Other platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, have faced criticism for not adequately preventing the streaming of child-abuse images and videos, thereby endangering children. Some Philippine officials have also raised concerns about potential threats to national security. Telegram reportedly has minimal content control or moderation, leading to the circulation of harmful material, including child-abuse images, self-harm, and exploitation. Snapchat’s “disappearing messages and images” feature has been exploited by predators to commit sextortion with minimal risk of detection.
Unsuccessful so far
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center [CICC] in the Philippines has attempted to regulate the content on these platforms, but without success, as there is currently no law granting them sufficient authority. According to the agency, some platforms have been linked to the radicalisation and recruitment of minors involved in recent school shootings, and are said to promote nihilistic violent extremism.
The CICC has also stated that platforms should be “reachable, accountable, and responsive” when their content endangers individuals, especially children, or promotes violent acts and self-harm. When authorities temporarily suspended one platform, some users expressed strong opposition, prioritising continued Internet access over concerns about potential harm to children.
Reports indicate that these platforms are used to spread hate speech and may influence vulnerable individuals, as in the case of a 16-year-old Grade 9 student who fatally shot two people and wounded others at a school in South Cotabato province on September 18. These platforms have also been exploited by child abusers to contact and groom children for sexual acts
How can we imagine this entity called AI? When used to help humans, this technology is a great friend and teacher. When it goes out of control, it can be used to hurt young people. It transforms from being a friend and teacher to a dangerous creature, not unlike Dr. Jekyll becoming Mr. Hyde.
The destructive AI coming into the Philippines through the telcos is what I call an “evil gremlin.” A gremlin is a mythical figure that was said to have infiltrated the engines of British fighter pilots in World War II and was blamed for the frequent mechanical failures of their aircraft rather than the aircraft builders or mechanics for putting them in grave danger.
In the digital world, these “gremlins” are the algorithms behind AI-driven social media platforms. Philippine law enforcement officers are unable to bring the evil gremlins to account because they are based outside the Philippines.
However, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology undersecretary, Henry Rhoel Aguda, have that power. They have the power to regulate what comes into the Philippines and block the evil gremlins with legally mandated, installation-ready blocking software. They have power over the ISPs and their parent companies, the telcos, and must exercise it in accordance with the law for the sake of the people, especially children, being abused and exploited by the “evil gremlin.”
When used to help humans, this technology is a great friend and teacher. When it goes out of control, it can be used to hurt young people. It transforms from being a friend and teacher to a dangerous creature, not unlike Dr. Jekyll becoming Mr. Hyde
No one knows why they don’t enforce the law to protect children. Allegations of collusion with telcos are unfounded, they say. The United Nations Children’s Fund says more than two million children have been sexually exploited over the Internet. Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act of 2022, replaces and drastically strengthens RA 9775, or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, which this column proposed and promoted with then-senator, Jamby Madrigal.
Under the new law, ISP and telco officials, social media intermediaries, and financial entities that fail to block or report these horrific illegal activities and allow AI-driven child abuse to continue on the Internet will face severe administrative fines, operational suspensions, or criminal liability for noncompliance.
Yet, somehow, they all enjoy impunity and protection by the political influence the telcos wield. We could pray they repent and protect children and not allow them to be abused.
