Written Answer · 2026-09-08 · Parliament 15
Public Agencies' Preparedness, Response Protocols and Exercises for AI-generated Imagery Disinformation
Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in two written questions whether the Government has assessed the implications of AI-generated geospatial imagery for crisis communications and public warning systems, whether existing disinformation protocols cover fabricated satellite imagery, and whether new guidance will be issued to public agencies; he also asked whether the Government runs exercises involving AI-generated images of false incidents in Singapore, which agencies take part and what lessons have been learnt. Minister for Digital Development and Information Mrs Josephine Teo replied in a combined answer that the Government recognises the risks of AI-generated images in crises and has targeted measures in place. Existing laws, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, may apply where falsehoods are communicated against the public interest, including via AI-generated images, and the Government regularly reviews its measures and updates emergency preparedness. The reply did not detail exercises, participating agencies or new guidance.
Why it matters
The Government said existing laws including POFMA can cover falsehoods spread via AI-generated images, but gave no detail on exercises or new guidance for agencies.
Key Points
- • The Government recognises the risks of AI-generated images in crisis situations, including fabricated geospatial imagery and incidents.
- • The Government says it has targeted measures in place to address AI-generated misinformation.
- • Existing laws and response measures, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, may apply where falsehoods are communicated against the public interest, including falsehoods communicated via AI-generated images.
- • The Government regularly reviews its measures against emerging misinformation threats and ensures its emergency preparedness measures are updated.
- • The reply did not say whether exercises with AI-generated imagery are held, which agencies take part, or whether new guidance will be issued.
The Government considers existing laws and targeted measures sufficient to deal with falsehoods spread through AI-generated images, and will keep reviewing them and updating emergency preparedness. It did not say whether related exercises are held or which agencies take part, and did not commit to new guidance for public agencies.
Questioner Mr Gabriel Lam was concerned that AI-fabricated satellite and geospatial imagery could disrupt crisis communications and public warnings, and wanted to know whether current protocols are adequate and whether exercises and new guidance exist.
The Government is relying on existing legal tools such as POFMA to deal with AI-generated falsehoods rather than creating rules specific to AI imagery; it kept crisis-exercise details private, possibly for security reasons.
"The Government recognises the risks posed by AI-generated images, including fabricated geospatial imagery and incidents, in crisis situations."
Participants (2)
Original Text (English)
SPRS Hansard · Fetched: 2026-09-26
36 Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government has assessed the implications of AI-generated geospatial imagery for Singapore's crisis communications and public warning systems; (b) whether existing disinformation response protocols adequately cover fabricated satellite imagery; and (c) whether new guidance will be issued to public agencies in this respect.
37 Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government conducts exercises involving AI-generated imagery depicting false incidents in Singapore; (b) if so, which agencies participate; and (c) what lessons have been learnt to improve responses to future AI-enabled disinformation.
Mrs Josephine Teo : The Government recognises the risks posed by AI-generated images, including fabricated geospatial imagery and incidents, in crisis situations. We have targeted measures in place to address AI-generated misinformation. Existing laws and response measures against misinformation, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, may apply where falsehoods are communicated against the public interest. This includes falsehoods communicated via AI-generated images. The Government regularly reviews its measures to tackle emerging misinformation threats and also ensures that its emergency preparedness measures are updated to address potential crisis situations.