A Singaporean man says he has been left traumatised after an ex schoolmate used artificial intelligence to generate fake family photos featuring him alongside the man’s own relatives. The images, which the victim described as deeply disturbing, were created without his knowledge or consent.
A fabricated family album
The man, who has not been named publicly, told local media that a former classmate created the AI generated pictures and shared them online. The images showed the victim as part of a family unit with his own mother and other relatives. The victim said the photos felt like a violation of his private life and personal relationships.
Why this hit so hard
The incident took place in Singapore, a country with strict laws on harassment and online conduct. The victim said the fake images caused him significant emotional distress. He reported the matter to the police, who are investigating. Local residents and online commentators expressed shock that AI tools could be used to fabricate such intimate and personal content. Many said the case highlighted a growing threat that goes beyond typical cyberbullying.
The victim said he had not been in contact with the ex schoolmate for years and had no idea why he was targeted. The fake photos were reportedly created using widely available AI image generation software. The victim’s family members were also distressed by the images.
This case in Singapore underscores how AI technology can be weaponised to harm individuals in deeply personal ways. The legal system is now being tested on whether existing laws can address this new form of digital abuse.
