Singapore probe reveals scale of AI-generated fake reviews
Singapore authorities have acted against dozens of businesses accused of buying fake online reviews, including testimonials generated with artificial intelligence. Experts warn that generative AI will make fabricated feedback harder to detect and urge businesses and consumers to distinguish paid endorsements from false independent reviews.
Singapore’s Competition and Consumer Commission has taken action against businesses involved in a large investigation into purchased and AI-generated online reviews. The first phase involved 47 businesses, including a funeral parlour, law firm and aesthetics clinic. Companies were required to remove reviews and publish apologies for six months.
The wider inquiry involved about 100 businesses. Authorities found that Reputifly, BuyReviewSG and GetReviewSG supplied packages of fake reviews. Their operator, Julian Tung Yan Kai, allegedly used generative AI to produce testimonials with varied styles, local details and natural imperfections.
Clients could edit the text before publication and use a calculator to determine how many five-star reviews they needed. Experts said reviews influence consumers by providing “social proof”. Under Singapore’s consumer-protection framework, deliberately misleading consumers through fabricated reviews can constitute an unfair trade practice.
The conduct is not ordinarily a stand-alone criminal offence under the relevant law, but authorities can seek injunctions, removal and corrective measures. Criminal consequences may arise if a business disobeys a court order. Experts distinguished transparent influencer advertising from fake reviews that falsely imply an independent customer experience.
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