Fake AI-Generated Videos Claiming Philippine Government Education Subsidy Circulate Online
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines has confirmed that it no longer offers direct financial assistance for education. Recently, videos promoting a supposed government cash assistance program have been circulating on social media platforms, but these have been identified as fake and AI-generated.
One such video, shared on Facebook on July 9, 2025, features a man wearing a DSWD-branded shirt speaking in front of a schoolyard. The video claims that all students are eligible for educational cash assistance, with payouts scheduled for July 12. It also includes logos of the DSWD and the Department of Education, along with a registration link. However, this link does not belong to any official government website.
Widespread Sharing and Official Warnings
The same video gained over 1.2 million views on TikTok and was shared across other social media platforms. Both the DSWD and the Department of Education have issued warnings against these posts. The DSWD's verified Facebook page clearly stated on July 11 that the videos and posts are "fake" and advised the public to rely only on official channels for accurate information.
Furthermore, the DSWD clarified that it does not provide direct financial support for education. Instead, the department runs a program offering assistance to students in need who tutor elementary pupils struggling with reading.
How AI Was Used to Create the Fake Videos
Google’s image analysis tools, using SynthID technology developed by DeepMind AI lab, identified these videos as AI-generated. A watermark from Veo, Google's video-generation platform, was found in the bottom-right corner of the videos. The footage appears to be a composite of three separate eight-second clips stitched together.
Visual inconsistencies further reveal the videos’ inauthenticity. For example, in one clip, two students walking behind the speaker seem to merge into a single figure—a clear sign of AI manipulation.
Protecting Against Misinformation
Public servants should remain vigilant against false claims, especially those leveraging AI to produce convincing yet fake content. Always verify information through official government communications before sharing. This incident underscores the importance of digital literacy and awareness in government roles.
For those interested in understanding AI tools and their implications in public information management, exploring courses on AI-generated content and digital verification can be valuable. Resources such as Complete AI Training's latest AI courses offer practical knowledge on these topics.
- Verify information through official government channels.
- Be cautious of links and websites that are not government-affiliated.
- Report suspicious content to appropriate authorities.
- Stay informed about AI-generated media and how to detect it.
Staying informed and cautious is key to preventing the spread of misinformation that can mislead the public and undermine trust in government programs.
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