Singapore AI sexual abuse image ban starts Aug 17

Singapore will start enforcing legislation on August 17 that creates a new offence for producing intimate images, including AI-generated material, without consent.

The home affairs department said offenders can face up to two years in jail, a fine, or both. If the material depicts a minor younger than 14, the offence carries mandatory imprisonment of up to two years, and the offender may also face a fine or caning.

The laws will also allow authorities to prosecute offenders suspected of grooming minors abroad and then sexually abusing them, if either the perpetrator or the victim travelled from Singapore before the offence. Those found guilty in such cases will face stricter punishment, including up to seven years in jail if the victim is younger than 14.

Home Affairs Minister Sim Ann told parliament last year that the legislation was intended to reduce enforcement barriers and reduce the supply of AI-generated materials that contribute to abuse.

Separate revised legislation taking effect on the same day will remove mandatory corporal punishment for crimes including piracy, attempted robbery and carrying an illegal weapon, making it discretionary instead.