Singapore expands criminalization of AI-generated intimate images

Singapore is expanding its criminal laws to expressly cover the production of non-consensual AI-generated intimate images as generative artificial intelligence becomes capable of creating fully synthetic depictions of people.

The new provisions under Singapore’s Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2025 will take effect on Aug. 17, according to the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The law was passed by Parliament on Nov. 4, 2025.

Among the changes is a new offense expressly criminalizing the production of intimate images, including AI-generated material, without consent.

Offenders may face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. If the material depicts a minor below 14 years old, imprisonment of up to two years is mandatory, while the offender may also face a fine or caning.

The amendments also expand the definition of an “intimate image” under Singapore’s Penal Code to include synthetic AI-generated material, meaning material generated to depict a person without altering an original image or recording.

The existing definition already covered intimate images created by altering existing images or recordings. The amendment extends coverage to completely synthetic images that can be generated using increasingly sophisticated AI models.

MHA clarified that the new offense does not mean non-consensual production of intimate images was previously outside Singapore’s criminal laws. Before the amendments, such conduct could still constitute other Penal Code offenses, including possession of or gaining access to voyeuristic or intimate images. The amendment now expressly criminalizes the act of production.

The changes also clarify that the Penal Code’s definition of child abuse material covers computer-generated child abuse material even without proof that an image of a real child was used to produce it.

In a separate parliamentary response in March, MHA said computer-generated child abuse material, including AI-generated images, is covered so long as the image resembles a real child.

Beyond AI-generated intimate images, Singapore is also strengthening penalties for the large-scale electronic circulation of obscene material.

Under the amendments, electronic circulation of obscene material to 10 or more people can carry up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. If the material depicts a minor below 18, the offense carries mandatory imprisonment of up to four years and liability to a fine.

The law also introduces a new offense targeting those who set up or manage online locations with the intent of facilitating the large-scale electronic circulation of obscene material.

According to MHA, these online locations can include WhatsApp and Telegram group chats and channels, websites and blogs, and channels on video-sharing platforms such as YouTube.

Setting up or managing an online location to facilitate large-scale electronic circulation of obscene material carries mandatory imprisonment of up to five years and liability to a fine. If the material depicts minors below 18, the penalty rises to mandatory imprisonment of up to seven years and liability to a fine.

Other amendments taking effect on Aug. 17 expand sexual grooming offenses to certain cases involving overseas meetings, increase penalties for fatal abuse of vulnerable victims, and strengthen provisions against the doxxing of public servants.

The AI-related amendments extend Singapore’s existing legal framework to address generative AI systems that can produce synthetic intimate images without relying on an existing photograph or recording.