ILOILO CITY—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has sternly warned that it is unlawful for people to use images generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to make it appear that they are real police officers.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 6 Director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said those who would be found using AI to misrepresent themselves as police officers could be charged with violating the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“The use of AI alone is not a criminal action, but if you use it as a tool to claim you are a member of the PNP and you post it, then there’s a violation,” said Tuaño during a press conference on Monday, August 24.
Tuaño's warning came as an online trend has emerged with civilians posting AI-generated images of themselves wearing PNP uniforms, using guns and engaging in police operations.
Tuaño is calling for transparaceny among netizens when they use the AI-generated images, especially of themselves wearing PNP uniforms.
“AI gives people many ways to be creative, and there is nothing wrong with that. What we ask is that people also be responsible with what they post. If an image is AI-generated, especially when it shows someone in a police uniform, make that clear so that others will not mistake it for a real photograph,” Tuaño said.
“We simply ask everyone to pause and think before posting. A creative image is one thing, but presenting it as something real is different. A little transparency can prevent unnecessary confusion and help preserve public trust,” Tuaño added.