Man allegedly sent AI-generated photo of crocodile in Pandan Reservoir to colleague
A 30-year-old will be charged in court after allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate a photo of a crocodile in Pandan Reservoir, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in a news release on Monday (28 Sept).
The fake photo led to the authorities suspending water activities in the reservoir and conducting search and capture operations.
Source: Google Maps
Man allegedly deleted fake crocodile photo to conceal actions
According to preliminary investigations, the man allegedly created the AI-generated image and sent it to his colleague, SPF said.
He then allegedly deleted the image and the application used to create it.
This was an attempt to conceal his actions, SPF added.
PUB takes action after being alerted to ‘crocodile sighting’ in Pandan Reservoir
National water agency PUB said that it was alerted to the “crocodile sighting” at about 3pm on 20 Aug.
It was provided with a photo of a reptile likely to be an estuarine crocodile, known to be found in the Straits of Johor and the Straits of Singapore.
Source: National Parks Board
It informed the Singapore Rowing Association (SRA) and Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF), which conduct water activities in the reservoir, to suspend all activities.
Search and capture operations also commenced in the reservoir by PUB and the National Parks Board (NParks).
However, after further investigation, PUB confirmed that the photo was fake and made a police report.
Man to be charged with 2 offences
On Tuesday (29 Sept), the man will be charged with communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice.
For communicating a false message, he faces up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to S$10,000 if convicted.
Offenders found guilty of obstructing the course of justice may be jailed for up to seven years and/or fined.
Police warn public not to submit fake images
SPF said it “will not hesitate” to take action against those who communicate falsehoods.
Such actions cause fear and inconvenience to members of the public and lead to public resources being unnecessarily deployed, it noted.
Urging members of the public to act responsibly by not circulating false information or edited images that could cause “unnecessary public alarm”, it also warned them not to submit fabricated or manipulated information to the police or other Government agencies while presenting them as authentic.
This includes AI-generated or digitally altered images, SPF added.
Also read: 22-year-old NSF arrested over hoax bomb threat at Paya Lebar Air Base, investigations ongoing
22-year-old NSF arrested over hoax bomb threat at Paya Lebar Air Base, investigations ongoing
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
