Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto has condemned China Daily over AI-generated videos and editorial materials that she said portrayed Filipinos in a racist and dehumanizing manner, while using the incident to renew calls for responsible use of artificial intelligence in media.

Sotto issued the statement in support of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which earlier denounced the Chinese state-run publication over the materials.

"I am appalled by the AI-generated videos and editorial materials published by China Daily that portray Filipinos in a racist and dehumanizing manner," Sotto said.

"As a Filipino, I stand with every Filipino who found these offensive and unacceptable. I fully support the Department of Foreign Affairs in calling out these derogatory portrayals."

Although the content falls outside the MTRCB's regulatory authority, Sotto said the controversy highlights growing concerns over how artificial intelligence is being used to create and distribute digital media.

Note, the agency has increasingly advocated for responsible content practices as AI-generated media and digital platforms continue to reshape the entertainment and media landscape.

"While the particular material published does not fall within the jurisdiction of the MTRCB, it reinforces the very concerns we have long been raising about the responsible use of emerging technologies in content creation and distribution," Sotto said.

She also warned about the growing spread of harmful content across digital and social media platforms, particularly those easily accessible to younger audiences.

"We have seen the increasing proliferation of harmful content across digital and social media platforms, especially those accessible to young viewers," she said.

Sotto added that the MTRCB will continue pushing for stronger coordination among government agencies, content creators, and subscription-based streaming and digital platforms to promote responsible content practices.

Her remarks come as governments and regulators worldwide grapple with the rapid rise of AI-generated content and its potential to spread misinformation, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and blur the lines between authentic and fabricated media.