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Representative José Aponte Hernández has urged the judicial system to recruit specialists in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to address “deepfake” issues in domestic violence cases.
“For several years, we have been sounding the alarm about the potential exploitation of AI algorithms to fabricate misleading content, known as ‘deepfake,’ which involves the alteration of images, videos, and even audio of individuals to spread false messages and material, including explicit sexual content, among other things,” the experienced New Progressive Party legislator stated in a press statement on Wednesday. “This concern could arise in both civil and criminal matters, including those related to domestic violence.”
“Considering this reality, we find it essential for the Office of Courts Administration (OAT) to allocate funds towards hiring professionals in the AI domain to identify the presence of ‘deepfakes’ in instances of domestic violence,” Aponte elaborated. “We are aware that numerous applications are utilized to modify images, videos, and audio. AI tools like ‘Mimic,’ ‘FaceSwap,’ and ‘DaVinci,’ among others, are commonly accessible for download on smartphones with Apple and/or Android operating systems. Due to the intricacies of these situations, it is crucial for the judicial system to designate resources not only for subject matter experts but also to offer ongoing training for judges and other staff members.”
“With ‘deepfakes,’ it is possible to generate images of texts or even emails that can be presented as evidence by one party in domestic violence cases,” the former speaker of the island’s House of Representatives remarked. “There have even been instances where telephone company records were manipulated to create confusion. Hence, it is vital to have experts accessible.”
“Currently, the Federal Trade Commission is considering stricter regulations on the use of AI to produce ‘deepfakes’ with the aim of criminalizing it,” Aponte mentioned. “While this develops, we can address the issue here in Puerto Rico. We need to be proactive and collaborate to tackle the challenges posed by this emerging technology.”
