Barbers pushes for AI-regulating gov’t agency

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.

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.