Source: CDR

Singapore's courts have introduced new guidelines for the use of generative AI in legal proceedings, effective from October 1, 2024. These rules apply to the Supreme Court, state courts, and the Family Justice Courts.

Under the new regulations, lawyers and other court users can use AI tools for preparing documents, but they must ensure the accuracy of AI-generated content. The courts emphasize that users are fully responsible for the outputs, and any AI-generated evidence used in court must be fact-checked and verified.

The guidelines also highlight the risks of AI "hallucinations," where AI may generate plausible but inaccurate or fabricated information. Furthermore, the rules state that AI tools should not be used to create, embellish, or fabricate evidence. The courts require users to clearly identify AI-generated content and ensure that any references to case law or legislation are accurate.

Violations of these rules could lead to disciplinary actions, financial penalties, or even the nullification of documents. The guidelines are designed to ensure that AI tools enhance, rather than compromise, the integrity of legal proceedings.

Singapore's approach aligns with similar efforts in the UK and the US to regulate AI in litigation, providing a benchmark for other jurisdictions looking to implement AI in judicial processes.