PNP warns against use of AI-Generated photos and videos featuring police uniforms

PNP warns against use of AI-Generated photos and videos featuring police uniforms

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed deep concern over a trending practice on social media where netizens use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital editing tools to create images and videos of themselves wearing the official police uniform.

In a public advisory issued through the social media page PULIS PH, the agency issued a stern warning to online content creators, digital artists, vloggers, and the general public that the unauthorized use of the PNP uniform—whether digitally rendered or worn in real life—carries serious legal consequences.

Possible Violations of the Law

According to the PNP, using their official uniform, insignia, badges, and accoutrements merely for content creation, pranks, or vlogging without proper authorization violates the following laws:

Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia): Penalizes any person who publicly and improperly makes use of uniforms or insignia of a government official or agency without the right to do so.

Executive Order No. 297: Strictly prohibits the unauthorized manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of uniforms, badges, and insignias of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Republic Act No. 493: Prohibits the unauthorized wearing, using, manufacturing, and selling of insignias, badges, and uniforms of the military and police.

Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012): Because the deceptive AI or digital content is created and disseminated using information and communications technology (ICT), violators may face heavier penalties.

Strict Warning to Content Creators

The police force highlighted specific activities commonly seen on social media that are strictly prohibited:

AI-Generated Impersonation: Generating "deepfake" videos or AI photos where a civilian is depicted wearing a police uniform. This is considered an act of Public Deception as it can cause confusion among the general public.

Pranks and Skits: Executing pranks while wearing the uniform, whether it is an actual physical uniform or digitally edited on, creates a false impression and damages the dignity of the organization.

Unpermitted Productions: Anyone intending to use the uniform for movies, indie films, or educational content (whether using physical uniforms or digital rendering) is required to first secure an official permit and clearance from the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR) or the Public Information Office (PIO).

The PNP reminded the public that their uniform is a "symbol of authority, discipline, and public service." They emphasized that it must not be misused—whether in real life or through the aid of technology and AI—merely to chase likes, views, and engagement online.