# Verifying AI Deepfake Images in Public Reports Following Fake Crocodile Sighting and Measures to Verify Authenticity of Public-submitted Information

- Date: 2026-09-09
- Added: 2026-09-26
- Who: Mr Fadli Fawzi · Mr K Shanmugam
- Source: https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=written-answer-24561
- sgai: https://sgai.md/debates/written-answer-24561/
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## Why it matters

The Police may run forensic examinations on suspect images, and submitting AI-fabricated images to the authorities may be a criminal offence depending on the facts.

## Summary

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs whether the fake photograph submitted with a reported crocodile sighting at Pandan Reservoir on 20 August 2026 was faked using AI, and what measures the Police and other agencies will take to verify the authenticity of information from the public as AI deepfakes become harder to identify. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam replied that the Police cannot give case details while investigations are ongoing. When the Police investigate edited photos submitted to mislead the authorities, a forensic examination may be done to determine whether an image was fabricated or manipulated. The public should not circulate false information or edited images, nor submit AI-generated or digitally altered images as legitimate photos. Depending on the facts, those who knowingly circulate false information to cause alarm, or give false information or fabricated evidence to the authorities, may commit a criminal offence.

## Key points

- With investigations ongoing, the Police did not say whether the fake crocodile photograph at Pandan Reservoir on 20 August 2026 was AI-generated
- When investigating edited photos submitted to mislead the authorities, the Police may conduct a forensic examination to determine whether an image was fabricated or manipulated
- The public should not submit AI-generated or digitally altered images to the Police or Government agencies as if they were legitimate photos
- Depending on the facts and circumstances, those who knowingly circulate false information to cause alarm, or provide false information or fabricated evidence to the authorities, may be liable for a criminal offence
- The public should stay vigilant against online misinformation and verify information through credible official sources such as announcements from the relevant Government agencies

## Full text

© Parliament of Singapore — reproduced for reference only.

10 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in relation to the fake photograph provided of a reported crocodile sighting at Pandan Reservoir on 20 August 2026 (a) whether the photograph was faked using AI; and (b) what measures will the Police and other Government agencies take to verify the authenticity of information provided by the public as it becomes more difficult to identify AI-generated deepfakes.

Mr K Shanmugam : The Police are unable to provide further details specific to the case at this juncture while investigations are ongoing.

When the Police investigates instances where edited photos are submitted to mislead the authorities, a forensic examination may be done to determine whether the image has been fabricated or manipulated.

The Police urge the public to act responsibly and refrain from circulating false information or edited images that can cause unnecessary public alarm. In addition, the public should not submit fabricated or manipulated information, including artificial intelligence-generated or digitally altered images, as if they were legitimate photos to the Police or Government agencies.

Depending on the facts and circumstances, persons who knowingly circulate false information with the intention to cause alarm, or provide false information or fabricated evidence to the authorities may be liable for a criminal offence.

The public should stay vigilant against misinformation online, and are encouraged to verify information through credible and official sources, such as announcements from the relevant Government agencies.