Singapore proposes legal change to ensure consensual exchange of obscene adult material is not criminalised

The changes to the law also cover the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on intimate images and child abuse materials.

Current definitions already cover most forms of deepfakes, and include computer-generated child abuse materials.

The Bill seeks to account for further technological advances since the last round of changes in 2019, by including synthetic AI-generated images.

“The current definition of ‘intimate image’ only applies to images that are created by altering existing images or recordings,” MHA said. “However, the increasing sophistication of Al models means that completely synthetic images can be generated. These are no less objectionable than images which are created by altering existing images or recordings.”

Producing intimate images without consent, including Al-generated ones, will also be an offence, with punishment similar to that of voyeurism and the possession of those images.

The definition of child abuse material will also cover computer-generated child abuse material, even without proof that an image of a real child had been used in the production of that material.

Elsewhere, the amendments also include protection for public servants against doxxing and false allegations.

Doxxing — the disclosure of identity information — can impede or deter public servants or public service workers from discharging their duties, said MHA.

“When accompanied by falsehoods, they can also undermine public confidence in our public institutions over time,” noted the ministry.

Current laws are limited as they require proof that the victim suffered harassment, alarm or distress; or that a communicated falsehood diminishes public confidence in a public institution in that particular instance.

The Bill suggests removing the need to prove that a victim suffered as such, so long as the offender had the intention to harass.

It would also criminalise the doxxing of a public servant when accompanied by a falsehood about that person, which the offender knows or has reason to believe is false.

This new offence is punishable with up to three years’ jail and a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,700).