Social media companies are required to adhere to a set of guidelines in order to improve online security and stop dangerous content from being distributed on their platforms.
The government can also be prompted to clarify and point out falsehoods through the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act ( POFMA ), Singapore’s version of a fake news law.
Primary research fellow at IPS, Dr. Carol Immediately, claimed that despite using these measures as a deterrent, poor actors will continue to discover new ways to circumvent the law.
The rapid advancements in conceptual artificial knowledge, he said, are a special area of concern.
” AI technology ( is ) being used to produce deepfakes and cheapfakes, which have an implication on people’s perception of reality”, Dr Soon noted, pointing to recent deepfake videos of politicians and celebrities on social media.
Singapore is considering specific techniques to address AI-generated misinformation, including a temporary moratorium on deepfakes, especially as the general election draws closer.
However, experts believe that more can be done to address the problem further inland.
Dr. Quickly outlined how policymakers could collaborate strongly with academics and organizations to identify and develop preventive measures.
The Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety, a system for Singapore’s area of study companions, companies and practitioners to develop capabilities for a safer computer, was recently launched.
” Through that heart, funding support may be given … to develop solutions … that you identify and counter the spread of online damages, including misinformation”, Dr Quickly said.
He suggested that the native mainstream media has a role to play in preventing the political polarization seen in other nations.
The internet in Singapore remains a trusted source of information. According to the Reuters Institute, faith in Singapore’s press has risen from 43 per cent in 2022 to 47 per cent this time, putting it in second place in the Asia Pacific.
BATTLING EXTREME VIEWS
Singapore has also not been spared from extreme ideology brought on by the widespreadness of the internet.
Two instances in recent years were linked to far-right fanaticism, involving teens who plotted to carry out attacks.
Both cases were handled by the Internal Security Act, which gives the government authority to detain those who threaten public health or protection.