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Singapore Considers New Law to Combat Deepfakes in Elections
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Singapore plans to allow candidates to flag deepfakes.
- Proposed bill empowers officers to correct misleading content.
- The upcoming election highlights the challenge of manipulated media.
In a move to enhance public trust in its electoral process, Singapore is contemplating legislative changes that would allow candidates to flag deepfake videos of themselves during elections, as reported today by the SCMP .
The SCMP notes that Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Janil Puthucheary, announced this proposal during the Festival of Ideas at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
The upcoming general election will see Singapore join a growing number of jurisdictions addressing the challenge of manipulated media.
The proposed Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill would empower the Returning Officer to issue corrective directions to publishers or service providers when digitally altered content misrepresents candidates.
Additionally, candidates could publicly clarify the authenticity of their statements, with penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment.
Puthucheary highlighted the potential for AI-driven tools to manipulate voter perceptions, underscoring the bill’s focus on safeguarding the integrity of information in the electoral landscape.
Interestingly, a recent report by the Centre for Election Technology and Security found that AI-generated disinformation and deepfakes did not impact the outcomes of the 2024 European elections, as most AI-enabled disinformation reinforced existing political beliefs rather than swaying undecided voters.
However, the report raises ethical concerns about AI’s role in democracy, noting instances of misleading AI-generated content and the need for clear labeling in political advertising.
The concern about the impact of AI on democracy was also outlined in a recent United Nations report, which emphasizes the need for a global framework to monitor and govern AI
This initiative follows Singapore’s previous efforts to combat misinformation, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) and the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act.
As the global conversation around deepfakes intensifies, Singapore’s legislative efforts could serve as an experimental example in maintaining electoral integrity and public confidence in democratic institutions.
Image by Mohamed Hassan, from Pxhere
Balancing AI’s Promise And Perils: UN Advocates For Global Framework
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- UN report calls for global governance of AI technologies.
- AI offers significant benefits but risks widening digital divides.
- Without oversight, AI development could lead to missed opportunities.
A report released by the United Nations on Thursday highlights the need for a global framework to monitor and govern AI. The report calls for the international body to oversee a coordinated effort, addressing both the opportunities and risks presented by AI.
AI is rapidly transforming the world, with potential benefits ranging from scientific breakthroughs and optimized energy grids to improvements in public health and agriculture.
For example, the recent development of the AI model FireSat aims to enhance early fire detection helping to improve response efforts.
The report also highlights AI’s transformative impact across a wide range of scientific disciplines. While some current claims about AI may be overhyped, others have already been validated, and its long-term potential appears promising.
For instance, AI-powered technologies like a robot designed for early lung cancer detection are now operational, and AI models have shown greater accuracy in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease compared to traditional clinical markers.
The report emphasizes that AI could play a crucial role in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, without proper governance, these benefits may not be distributed equitably, with many countries, particularly in the Global South, being left behind.
According to the report, the current lack of global governance poses significant risks. One of the major concerns is the increasing digital divide, which could limit AI’s benefits to only a handful of states, corporations, and individuals.
The report also points out that the unchecked development of AI could lead to missed opportunities, as trust in the technology may erode without proper regulations and oversight.
Beyond equity issues, AI presents a host of challenges, including algorithmic bias, the spread of disinformation , and threats to privacy and security .
The report highlights growing concerns about AI systems that operate independently of human control, such as autonomous weapons, and the impact of AI on the global job market .
As AI systems become more powerful and opaque, traditional regulatory systems struggle to keep up.
The UN report notes that while many governments, companies, and international organizations have developed ethical frameworks and principles for AI governance , there is no comprehensive global system in place.
The lack of coordination has left many countries out of key conversations, with representation skewed heavily toward a small number of nations. The report argues that a truly global effort is required to ensure accountability and equitable access to AI’s benefits.
Ultimately, the report stresses that AI governance should not be left to the private sector or individual governments alone, as the technology transcends national borders.
