EU landmark rules for ChatGPT give Singapore the blueprint to rein in AI harms: Experts

The European Union's recent landmark rules for AI chatbot ChatGPT, online game Roblox, and messaging platform Reddit could serve as a blueprint for Singapore to tackle potential harms from artificial intelligence. The EU's stringent measures include age checks to prevent minors from accessing adult content and changing how systems recommend content to children, reducing their exposure to harmful material.

Additionally, children's online accounts are set to default to private settings to avoid unwanted contact from strangers. Singaporean law professor Dirk Hartung believes these new EU guidelines will aid Singapore legislators in implementing similar safeguards. Furthermore, the United States' recent Meta settlement, which mandates more safeguards for children and teenagers on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, also offers valuable insights.

These measures, such as limiting daily usage and restricting access at night, can help inform Singapore's regulatory approach. Both experts and lawmakers agree that Singapore is already moving towards a similar direction in two key areas of online safety. The EU and Singapore require large online services to assess and mitigate risks, including online harms caused by content recommendations and amplifications.

Singapore has also adopted age verification systems for social media platforms. However, while the EU takes a more stringent stance on public safety and privacy, Singapore tends to balance business needs with individual interests. This balanced approach to digital and AI governance allows for innovation while continually updating safeguards as necessary evidence emerges.