“Floating Prison” Off Singapore Coast is Fake News, Says SPS
Social media posts claiming that Singapore has launched the world’s first AI-powered floating prison are completely false, according to an official statement released by the Singapore Prison Service (SPS). The images and claims, which have gone viral online in recent days, were dismissed as misinformation created with artificial intelligence.
One viral post alleged that the high-tech prison was located 500 metres off Singapore’s coast and housed over 2,000 inmates. It also claimed that the facility was fully monitored by AI-powered robotic guards, eliminating the need for traditional prison bars. Other versions of the post included supposed images of the floating structure, but these have now been confirmed to be AI-generated fabrications.
SPS: No Plans for a Floating Prison, and No Need for One
Responding to the wave of misinformation, the SPS clarified that the agency has never discussed, proposed, or considered any plans for a floating prison. Furthermore, it emphasised that there is no operational need for such a facility in Singapore.
The rumours gained traction after being shared by Instagram accounts such as @vision.motivee and @financian_, both of which posted elaborate captions describing the prison as a solution to overcrowding and limited land availability in the city-state. One post even claimed the facility focused on inmate rehabilitation, providing education and skills training in a dignified environment.
These posts, while elaborate in design and tone, were based entirely on fictitious content. SPS has warned the public against falling for such “wild stories” and advised netizens to verify information through official sources before sharing.
SPS Urges Public to Rely on Official Sources, Not Viral Posts
In light of the incident, SPS has urged Singaporeans and residents to exercise discretion and not contribute to the spread of fake news. The agency encourages the public to refer only to SPS’s official website and verified social media channels for accurate updates and announcements.
This is not the first time that viral misinformation involving Singaporean infrastructure or policy has circulated widely online. Similar hoaxes in the past have included fake announcements about new ERP rates, non-existent laws, and edited photos of supposed government buildings.
As artificial intelligence tools become more advanced and accessible, the public is reminded to remain vigilant, especially when confronted with sensational content designed to provoke shock or awe. The spread of AI-generated images and false narratives poses a growing challenge to public trust and information reliability in the digital age.
In a highly connected country like Singapore, where policies and infrastructure are closely monitored, any claims of radical changes—like an offshore AI prison—should raise scepticism unless confirmed through official channels.
Ask ChatGPT