Man charged over AI image of crocodile in Singapore reservoir

Police in Singapore have charged a man who is accused of posting an AI-generated image of a saltwater crocodile in a popular reservoir.Ye Lin was charged with communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice for allegedly deleting the picture and the application he used.The fake image caused public concern, authorities allege. The National Water Agency suspended its work at the city-state's largest reservoir for two days last month after receiving information that a crocodile had been spotted.Ye Lin, who is from Myanmar, told the court through an interpreter that he intended to plead guilty, according to local media reports.Singapore's National Water AgencyThe Pandan Reservoir is a popular jogging and kayaking spot west of the city centreThe National Water Agency said it was alerted to a crocodile sighting in Pandan Reservoir on 20 August. Agency officials and national parks staff conducted search and capture operations in the area. The Singapore-rowing-association" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="211194" data-entity-type="organization">Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore-canoe-federation" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="211195" data-entity-type="organization">Singapore Canoe Federation were told the suspend their activities.But the following day, the water agency confirmed that the crocodile image was fake and reported it to the police.The case will return to court in November and Ye Lin could face a prison sentence and a large fine if he is found guilty.