By The Star Staff
Rep. José Aponte Hernández has asked the judicial branch to hire experts in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to handle cases of “deepfake” in domestic violence proceedings.
“For several years we have been raising the alarm about the possible use of AI algorithms to create false content, the so-called ‘deepfake,’ which is the manipulation of images, video and even audio of people in order to convey false messages and content, including explicit sexual content, among others,” the veteran New Progressive Party lawmaker said in a press release on Wednesday. “This is an issue that could manifest itself in civil and criminal cases, including those associated with domestic violence.”
“Given this reality, we believe it is worthwhile for the Office of Courts Administration (OAT) to invest resources in hiring experts in the field of AI to detect the use of ‘deepfakes,’ for example, in cases of domestic violence,” Aponte continued. “We know that there are applications that are being used to alter photographs, videos, and voices. AI applications such as ‘Mimic,’ ‘FaceSwap,’ and ‘DaVinci,’ among many others, are regularly available for download on cell phones with Apple and/or Android operating systems. Given the complexity of these cases, it is vital that the judicial branch allocate resources, not only for experts on the subject, but also to provide recurring workshops for judges and other personnel.”
“With ‘deepfakes,’ images of texts or even emails can be created and presented as evidence by one of the parties in cases of domestic violence,” the former speaker of the island House of Representatives added. “There are even cases in which telephone company records have been falsified in order to confuse. That is why it is imperative to have experts available.”
“At this moment, the Federal Trade Commission is evaluating greater restrictions on the use of AI to create ‘deepfakes’ with the purpose of making it illegal,” Aponte said. “While that materializes, we can tackle the problem in Puerto Rico. We must be proactive and work together to face the challenges of this new technology.”
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