MANILA - Geoffrey Hinton - more commonly known as the ‘Godfather of AI’ - made his sentiments clear in a CNN Interview on May 3, 2023, stating that “AI could manipulate or find a way to kill humans.” This in part prompted Philippine lawmakers to file a bill designed to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).

More specifically, Surigao del Norte Second District Representative Robert Ace Barbers of the Philippines recently filed House Bill #7396 - also known as the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA) Act - which aims to promote research and development in AI, support the growth of AI-related industries, and enhance the skills of the Filipino workforce in the field of AI.

Barbers also said that advocacy groups and tech insiders have already raised the alarm that the new crop of AI-powered chatbots could be used to spread misinformation and displace people from their jobs. To counter this, AIDA will be responsible for developing and implementing a national AI strategy. The authority is also expected to be a ‘super body’ that will regulate the development and deployment of AI technologies in the Philippines to ensure these align with the principles of responsible development.

Everyone acknowledges that AI carries risks - while sometimes downplaying the benefits - but is it really a threat to human life and people’s livelihoods, as some claim?

Risks perceived in AI development

The top concern with AI development is job displacement in numerous industries affecting many people, especially if not enough new jobs are created to replace them. Since AI can automate various tasks and streamline processes, governments must have a plan to counter a potential increase in unemployment and economic inequality. Every country faces this problem, though it is especially consequential for the Philippines, a fast-growing middle-