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New Bill Targets AI-Generated MisinformationThe Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) introduced the Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill in Parliament to enhance the security of online election ads. The Bill targets the growing threat of digitally manipulated content, particularly AI-generated misinformation like deepfakes, to protect Singapore’s electoral process. These measures aim to preserve the integrity of online representations, ensuring voter confidence and safeguarding the democratic process.
The advancement of AI technologies has brought both innovation and risk, especially concerning the potential misuse of AI in online platforms. Deepfakes, which are hyper-realistic audio, video, or image-based content generated through AI, have become a serious concern worldwide.
These manipulations allow for the creation of convincing but false portrayals of individuals, potentially leading to widespread misinformation. In Singapore, deepfakes have been used maliciously in scams and extortion, raising the alarm about their potential impact on elections.
False information during elections can erode public trust and mislead voters. Deepfakes are particularly concerning as they falsely depict candidates, potentially influencing electoral outcomes. The Bill aims to prevent such deceptive content, ensuring voters base their decisions on accurate information.
Existing legislation, like the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), addresses false information broadly. However, the new bill specifically targets election-related content, requiring focused measures. The Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill strengthens the Online Election Advertising (OEA) framework by tackling deepfakes that misrepresent candidates and introducing safeguards to prevent these manipulations from influencing election outcomes.
The key features of the Bill include a prohibition on the publication of digitally generated or manipulated election advertising that depicts a candidate saying or doing something they did not. This measure will be in effect from the issuance of the Writ of Election to the close of polling. It specifically targets content that portrays election candidates falsely, addressing a gap in the current election advertising rules. If left unchecked, such content could disrupt the election process and mislead voters.
The Returning Officer (RO) will have the authority to issue corrective directives, requiring individuals, social media services, or Internet Access Providers to remove or block access to offending content. Non-compliance will result in penalties, including fines or imprisonment, highlighting the seriousness of election-related disinformation. Candidates can also request a review of content they believe violates the new law.
The Bill further emphasises accountability, stipulating that it will be illegal for candidates to knowingly make false or misleading declarations about content they wish to have removed. Such actions will be considered an illegal practice, with penalties including fines or the vacation of an election, ensuring candidates uphold the integrity of their own campaigns.
beyond the election period, deepfakes and other forms of AI-generated content continue to pose risks to the public.
To ensure a safe online environment, the government is introducing additional safeguards. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will create a new Code of Practice, requiring social media platforms to take proactive steps against manipulated content. IMDA will work with these platforms in the coming months to strengthen cybersecurity efforts.
This new legislation and the forthcoming Code of Practice represent a comprehensive approach to tackling the misuse of AI in digital platforms. By enhancing the protection against deepfakes and other forms of manipulated content, the government is safeguarding both the electoral process and the broader online space. These initiatives complement ongoing efforts to combat misinformation, equipping Singaporeans with the awareness and skills to safely navigate the digital landscape.
The Bill will be presented for a second reading in Parliament, signaling the government’s strong commitment to protecting the integrity of elections and ensuring a safe, trustworthy online environment for all.
