A SOCIAL media watchdog has warned that China could attempt to meddle in the 2025 elections through social media.

Michael Aragon, Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc. chairman, cited the key findings of the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) which showed China is using fake social media accounts to poll voters on the divisive issues that could crop up during the elections.

Aragon said that based on the report, China has also increased its use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content to further its goals around the world. It has also begun to use AI to make its operations more effective and efficient.

He said that according to Microsoft, China is targeting elections in several countries using several strategies aside from AI.

Microsoft said China has adopted political memes and pictures that are spread by cyber-agents. Spreading fake news is another strategy.

"We are calling the attention of people who use social media platforms and the technology involved in it about a clear and present danger in the lives of Filipinos," Aragon told The Manila Times in an interview on Sunday.

"Our social media practices might be something that will turn out to be of national security concern because the technology involved has already succeeded to a point that it can already influence the thinking of people," he said.

Aragon said there are a lot of things on social media that most ordinary people think are not harmful.

"But beware, AI uses embedded algorithms, which we call predictability. You can predict the behavior of the person using a particular platform through AI. Once your behavior are known, what you watch, what you want and need daily, then they will own you; they can predict your thoughts," he said. "If I can predict your options and your choices, then I can predict who you will vote for in an election," Aragon said.

The Commission on Elections has started discussing a proposal to ban the use of AI and deepfakes during next year's elections.

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