Police may order platforms to block Singapore access to AI-generated obscene images of real persons

Singapore police may direct online platforms to block access to AI-generated obscene images involving real persons, depending on investigative findings, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann said during a Parliamentary sitting on 6 May 2026.

The measure applies where such content is found circulating online and is linked to reported cases involving obscene materials.

Sim said that where police receive reports relating to obscene material, investigations will be carried out regardless of whether the images are artificially generated.

Sim outlined that investigations typically involve interviewing suspects and witnesses, alongside examining available digital forensic evidence.

“Where there is a report relating to any obscene material, the police will conduct investigations,” she said, adding that this includes reviewing digital traces and other relevant materials.

Police do not currently track how many cases involve AI-generated obscene images of real persons.

The absence of such data means no breakdown is available on the scale of AI-related cases within the broader category of obscene material investigations.

Support measures for victims

For cases involving young victims, police may notify parents or guardians as part of the response process.

Victim care services may also be offered, particularly where psychological support is required.

Sim noted that these measures are part of a broader approach to managing the impact on victims, especially minors affected by the circulation of such materials.

Where obscene images are circulating online, police may issue directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act to service providers.

These directions can require platforms to disable access to the content for users in Singapore.

Sim said this step may be taken “in the course of investigation or due to the report”, once the presence of such material online is established.

Parliamentary questions on enforcement approach

The issue was raised through a Parliamentary question filed by Workers’ Party MP Sylvia Lim.

Lim asked how many police reports were received in 2025 concerning AI-generated fake obscene images, and what proportion involved perpetrators and victims who were fellow students in educational institutions.

She also sought clarification on what victims or complainants can expect in terms of follow-up actions by police.

In supplementary questions, Lim cited cases in which victims reported that artificially created images of them had been uploaded to pornographic websites.

She said some victims were advised to pursue action under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA), which involves non-arrestable offences.

Clarification on legal pathways

Lim asked whether this approach reflects a default position by police in such cases.

She also noted that, in some instances, police assisted in removing the images after appeals were made on behalf of victims.

“That’s very helpful and of most concern to the victims,” she said, asking whether such assistance is routinely provided.

Lim further pointed to provisions under the Penal Code, including Sections 377BD and 377BE, which cover offences relating to intimate images.

She asked when police would classify cases under these arrestable offences and investigate with a view to prosecution.

Case-by-case enforcement stance

In response, Sim said there is no fixed or default approach in handling such cases.

“If the facts of the case are such that it warrants taking action under the Penal Code for offences relating to the circulation of intimate images, the police will do so,” she said.

She added that decisions are based entirely on the facts disclosed in each case.

“It is not that there is a default position to go a certain route. Everything depends on the facts of the case as disclosed,” she said.

Sim reiterated that police may also act to block access to online content as part of their response.

“Where there are obscene images circulating online… the police may issue directions to the online service providers to block access of Singapore users to them,” she said.