THE DARK SIDE OF CELEBRITY:

How technology is raping PH entertainment

by Neil Ramos , Manila Bulletin

Pop quiz, hot shot: What do Ivana Alawi, Anne Curtis, Liza Soberano, Kathryn Bernardo and Maine Mendoza have in common?

While most of us would answer simply they’re all celebrities, a growing segment of the population will mention them being among stars who have been embroiled in the now notorious “deepfakes” phenomenon.

If it sounds sinister, it’s because, well, it is.

Deepfakes are videos that use artificial intelligence called deep learning to swap images of people, usually celebs, with another.

Sounds far out? Well, Virginia…

Anyway, a lot of these videos are actually pornographic too and as such many women’s group are crying foul deeming it another “weapon” against them.

They have a point.

Imagine having your face super-imposed on someone doing some unholy act and displaying it to the world.

Embarrassing?

Degrading?

Bloodcurdling?

All of the above?

The most infuriating thing about it is we seemingly can’t do anything about it.

At least for now.

Sadly, in a world that has become more and more digitally-entrenched, the technology, as harmful as it is, looks very much like it is here to stay.

It might even be tweaked to the point that it will make reel vs. real more confusing than ever.

Believe it.

Deepfakes already made headlines around these parts several weeks back when Mendoza, her mom, as with her manager, trooped to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to complain about her image being used in these videos.

The NBI promised to look into the complaint.

The agency said the person or persons responsible for said videos could be hauled to court in violation of the Anti-Voyeurism Act, the Safe Spaces Act, as well as for cyber libel, unjust vexation, and identity theft.

So far, no suspects.

Indeed, as popular as Mendoza is, it seems that her complaint is not enough for the powers that be to actually crack the whip on the matter.

Abroad, there are already tech firms working on systems that would help detect and flag deepfakes.

When will we work on something similar?

Meanwhile, in related developments, Sue Ramirez and Maris Racal were “disrobed” recently by some no-good individuals, posting their handiwork on social media, to the chagrin of the two stars as with their home network, ABS-CBN.

The rape of local entertainment continues.

Ara Mina, Christine Reyes and Heidi Gatmaytan

(Ara Mina and Christine Reyes)

 A relative of celebrities Ara Mina and Christine Reyes is appealing to the public to give them time to settle their differences following their much-publicized rift. 

In an official statement Heidi Gatmaytan, sister of Reyes and Mina, said their family is deeply saddened by the turn of events. 

"This has gained so much publicity to the damage of the family. Let us give them time to talk and settle their differences. We understand that both of them are hurting right now. We appeal to everyone to give them space so these matters can be cleared up and let the family patch things up. They are both generous and supportive to the whole family contrary to what is being reported by some sectors. We just hope that people would be fair."

Do YOU pay YOUR taxes ON TIME?

As an expat living in the Philippines and doing several businesses and having certain incomes I do pay my taxes on time.

Other people don't care!

It was really interesting to learn, that the Philippine Bureau of internal Revenue's campaign against tax evaders and tax cheats is slowly (but surely) paying off after a popular Philippine television and movie personality paid 17 million Pesos in tax obligations after learning that she is the subject of the next tax evasion case to be filed supposedly by the BIR.

No names have been mentioned, but according to well-placed sources at the Bureau, a female television and movie personality of the Philippines, a daughter also of a well known actor and actress (separated for many years now!) has paid the 17 million last week. Good. Congrats! Why not?

Last October 21, the BIR has filed charges against controversial film and television director Carlo J. Caparas for his failure to pay the right amount of taxes. The case against him marks the Aquino's administration's first tax case against a high-profile television and movie personality. I hope, more cases are on the road.