MDDI's Response to PQ on POFMA Action On Allegedly AI-Generated YouTube Video On 17 January 2026 about Prime Minister Wong

Parliament Sitting on 5 March 2026

Question for Oral Reply

*17 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) why no correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 (POFMA) was issued in respect of an allegedly AI-generated YouTube video on 17 January 2026 that made claims that "Singapore's Lawrence Wong's resignation is a foregone conclusion"; and (b) whether the source of such videos will be investigated.

Answer:

The member is likely referring to YouTube accounts that recently published a large volume of AI-generated videos containing fabricated claims about Singapore’s foreign policy and domestic politics.

It would be clear to Singaporeans, and those who live here, that the videos contain entirely made-up storylines about Singapore’s current affairs. The Government’s statement on this issue was reported by Lianhe Zaobao and Channel NewsAsia. Additionally, most of the videos and accounts that we were aware of have been removed by YouTube for contravening the platform’s own community guidelines against misinformation and spam. Given this context, we did not issue POFMA correction directions for these videos.

As is typical of such disinformation campaigns, similar videos and accounts have resurfaced. The Government will work with platforms to review and investigate these videos.

POFMA is an important tool against online falsehoods, but a well-informed and vigilant public remains our first line of defence. Public education is crucial in equipping Singaporeans with skills to verify online content. We urge Singaporeans to check official sources for accurate information, and not to forward content from unknown or unverified sources.

*Converted to Written