Police in Singapore have charged a man accused of posting an AI-generated image of a saltwater crocodile in a reservoir. Ye Lin faces charges of communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice for allegedly deleting the picture and the application he used.
Authorities allege the fake image caused public concern. The national water agency suspended work at Pandan Reservoir for two days last month after receiving information about a crocodile sighting on 20 August. Officials and national parks staff conducted search operations, and the Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation were told to suspend activities.
The water agency confirmed the image was fake the following day and reported it to the police. Police allege Ye Lin created the photo using artificial intelligence before sending it to a colleague, and then deleted the image and related application.
Ye Lin, who is from Myanmar, reportedly told the court through an interpreter that he intended to plead guilty. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence and a fine. Sending a false message carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. Obstructing justice carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.