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ASEAN ministers discuss AI threats in Singapore
Singapore urged ASEAN collaboration against AI-driven cyber threats, emphasizing deepfake risks and ongoing efforts to strengthen digital economies and explore agreements with the EU and China.
FILE PHOTO: View of the skyline in Singapore January 27, 2023. REUTERS/Caroline Chia/File Photo
During the fourth ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting held on Feb 1 and 2, Singapore’s Communications and Information Minister, Josephine Teo, emphasized the imperative for ASEAN members to collaborate closely in addressing the escalating cyber threats propelled by artificial intelligence, leading to scams and the dissemination of fake news.
In her opening remarks at the conference, Minister Teo stressed the growing relevance of the partnership among nations, acknowledging both the opportunities and risks posed by advancing digital technologies worldwide.
Highlighting the potential risks, Minister Teo identified deepfakes generated by AI as a pressing concern, illustrating the challenge of maintaining trust in society. She referred to recent instances in Singapore where deepfake videos featuring political figures were used to promote scams.
ASEAN, or Association of Southeast Asian Nations comprising approximately 650 million people, has proactively taken measures to strengthen digital economies, including being the first regional group to fully adopt the United Nations’ standards in 2023 for responsible state behavior in cyberspace. The UN framework, consisting of 11 non-binding rules, emphasizes cooperation to combat crime and terrorism while safeguarding critical infrastructure.
The union reached an agreement on a framework for cross-border data sharing. During the meeting, discussions revolved around leveraging AI for public benefit and devising strategies to combat scams, often orchestrated across borders.
Minister Teo disclosed that the EU, as the second-largest investor in ASEAN, invested US$26.5 billion in the region in 2021. Over 14,000 European businesses have established regional centres and headquarters in Singapore alone.
ASEAN and China are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding promoting cross-border digital connectivity and cooperation in emerging technology and cybersecurity.
