Man charged over AI image of crocodile in Singapore reservoir
The defendant could face jail or a fine after the image sparked a search operation in the city’s largest reservoir.
Man charged over AI image of crocodile in Singapore reservoir
Police in Singapore have charged a man accused of posting an AI-generated image of a saltwater crocodile in a popular reservoir.
Ye Lin was charged with communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice, after allegedly deleting the picture and the application he used.
Authorities say the fake image sparked public concern. Last month, the national water agency suspended operations at the city-state’s largest reservoir for two days after being told a crocodile had been seen there.
Ye Lin, who is from Myanmar, told the court through an interpreter that he intended to plead guilty, according to local media reports.
The national water agency said it was alerted to a crocodile sighting in Pandan Reservoir on 20 August. Agency officials and national parks staff carried out search and capture operations in the area. The Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation were told to suspend their activities.
The next day, however, the water agency confirmed that the crocodile image was fake and reported the matter to police.
The case is due back in court in November, and Ye Lin could face a prison sentence and a large fine if convicted.
In Singapore, sending a false message carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000 (about US$7,800; £5,900), or both. Obstructing justice carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.
Police allege that Ye Lin created the crocodile photo using artificial intelligence before sending it to a colleague.
"The man subsequently deleted the image and the related application in an attempt to conceal his actions," the police statement said.
It is not clear how the national water agency was informed of the false photo Ye Lin sent to his colleague.