Singapore launched its first National AI Strategy in 2019, aiming to become a leader in developing and deploying impactful AI solutions by 2030. In 2023, the country updated its strategy (NAIS 2.0) to address new challenges and uplift Singapore's economic and social potential. The strategy focuses on orchestrating industry, government, and research efforts around meaningful AI use cases, attracting top-tier talent, growing the tech workforce, providing resources for AI innovation, and creating a trusted environment for AI engagement.
Singapore has taken significant steps to promote responsible AI development. The country established an Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data in 2018 and released the Model AI Governance Framework in 2019, which was updated in 2020. In 2022, Singapore launched A.I. Verify, a voluntary AI governance testing framework, followed by the creation of the AI Verify Foundation to develop open-source AI testing tools. Most recently, in 2024, the country issued a draft Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI.
The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), enacted in 2012, governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data in Singapore. Amendments to the PDPA were passed in 2020, taking effect in stages from 2021. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) was established to administer and enforce the PDPA. Singapore has also launched initiatives such as the Trusted Data Sharing Framework and Data Protection Trustmark certification to promote responsible data practices.
While Singapore has made strides in AI development, concerns exist regarding surveillance. The country plans to increase police cameras to over 200,000 by 2030 and has trialled patrol robots for public surveillance. Facial recognition technology is being implemented at immigration checkpoints, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore introduced the TraceTogether contact tracing app, which raised privacy concerns.
Singapore has enacted several laws to regulate online content and combat disinformation, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (2019), the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (2021), the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act (2023), and the Online Criminal Harms Act (2024). While these laws aim to address legitimate concerns, they have also raised questions about potential impacts on freedom of expression and information access.
Singapore actively engages in international AI initiatives. The country is a founding member of the Global Partnership on AI and has endorsed the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Singapore participated in the AI Safety Summit and endorsed the Bletchley Declaration. The nation is also leading efforts to develop an ASEAN Framework on Digital Data Governance and has entered into Digital Economy Agreements with several countries.
While Singapore has made progress in some areas of AI ethics and governance, challenges remain in the realm of human rights. The country is rated as "partly free" by Freedom House, with lower scores on political rights. Singapore is not a party to several international human rights conventions, and while recent legislative changes have addressed some LGBTQ+ rights issues, protections against discrimination remain limited.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/