In an update to a story we brought you earlier this month, Singapore’s Parliament has officially passed the “Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) Amendment Bill.” The newly approved legislation, known as Bill No. 29/2024, amends both the Parliamentary Elections Act 1954 and the Presidential Elections Act 1991, aiming to ensure that election campaigns remain transparent and free from misleading online manipulation, especially in an era of rapidly advancing digital technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Focus on Digitally Altered Election Content
The legislation’s primary focus is to prohibit the publication of online election advertising that includes digitally altered content, particularly content that falsely represents a candidate’s words or actions. This amendment is part of Singapore’s broader effort to uphold the fairness and accuracy of its election processes, given the increasing prevalence of AI-driven technologies capable of creating hyper-realistic yet entirely false depictions.
The new law targets digital content that is so convincing that it could mislead voters into believing that a candidate made a statement or took an action during the election period when they, in fact, did not. For instance, a doctored video might falsely portray a candidate endorsing a policy they have consistently opposed, or AI-generated imagery could be manipulated to change the context of a speech or campaign event.
Wide Coverage Across Digital Platforms
The law applies to all forms of online election advertising distributed in Singapore. This includes posts on social media, articles on websites, digital campaign materials, and other online channels. When misleading content appears, the Returning Officer now has the authority to issue corrective directives. These orders can require the publisher to remove the content or post an accurate correction.
Penalties for Individuals and Platforms
The penalties are significant. Anyone who publishes manipulated election content may face fines of up to SGD 1,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Online platforms that fail to comply with removal or correction orders face even larger penalties. They can be fined up to SGD 1 million, underscoring Singapore’s firm stance on election integrity.
Important Exemptions and Safeguards
The law includes several exemptions. It does not apply to private, domestic communication. News agencies that are authorized under Singapore’s media framework are also exempt. In addition, the Returning Officer may grant further exemptions under prescribed regulations. Candidates can request a corrective directive if manipulated content targets them. However, the legislation also prevents abuse. If a candidate knowingly submits a false or misleading request, they can be penalized as well. This ensures fairness and accountability for all participants.
Law Responds to Growing Concerns About AI Misuse
Lawmakers introduced this amendment in response to rising concerns about the impact of generative AI on democratic processes. The bill’s explanatory statement highlights the risks posed by AI-generated deepfakes and other deceptive technologies. These tools can create hyper-realistic content that voters may mistake for genuine footage, posing a serious threat to informed decision-making.
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If you’re wondering how Singapore’s AI guidelines, or any other AI strategies and laws worldwide could impact you and your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can address your concerns and questions while offering valuable insights.
