Section 8 — Making or altering bots for communication of false statements of fact in Singapore

(1)A person must not, whether in or outside Singapore, make or alter a bot with the intention of —

(a)communicating, by means of the bot, a false statement of fact in Singapore; or

(b)enabling any other person to communicate, by means of the bot, a false statement of fact in Singapore.

(2)A person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —

(a)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $30,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both; or

(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $500,000.

(3)However, if the communication of the false statement of fact under subsection (1) is likely to —

(a)be prejudicial to the security of Singapore or any part of Singapore;

(b)be prejudicial to public health, public safety, public tranquillity or public finances;

(c)be prejudicial to the friendly relations of Singapore with other countries;

(d)influence the outcome of an election to the office of President, a general election of Members of Parliament, a by‑election of a Member of Parliament, or a referendum;

(e)incite feelings of enmity, hatred or ill‑will between different groups of persons; or

(f)diminish public confidence in the performance of any duty or function of, or in the exercise of any power by, the Government, an Organ of State, a statutory board, or a part of the Government, an Organ of State or a statutory board, the person who is guilty of an offence under that subsection shall be liable on conviction —

(g)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $60,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 years or to both; or

(h)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $1 million.