Singapore criminalises AI-generated explicit images

Singaporeian authorities are set to introduce new legislation on Monday, which will criminalize the use of artificial intelligence to generate explicit images without consent. The new laws will also enable authorities to prosecute individuals suspected of grooming minors abroad for subsequent sexual abuse, provided the perpetrator or victim traveled from Singapore before the offense took place.

The changes encompass a new offense of producing intimate images, including AI-generated materials, without consent, and offenders may face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. In cases where the material depicts a minor under the age of 14, the punishment becomes mandatory imprisonment for up to two years, along with a fine or caning.

The Home Affairs Minister, Sim Ann, explained that the legislation aims to reduce the barriers to enforcement and curb the supply of AI-generated materials that contribute to the cycle of abuse. Meanwhile, Singapore still permits judicial caning, including for certain serious sexual offenses like rape and aggravated molestation.

However, the revised legislation will remove mandatory corporal punishment for other crimes, including piracy, attempted robbery, and carrying an illegal weapon, and will now be applied on a discretionary basis.