Singapore encourages AI chatbot providers to display plain-language 'info cards'

SINGAPORE, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Singapore on Monday encouraged providers of generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to present key information in plain language through a "chatbot info card," the centerpiece of its new voluntary Transparency Guidelines for Generative AI Chatbots.

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2026 shows the city skyline of Singapore. (Photo: Xinhua)

The guidelines, launched at the Singapore Data Festival by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, recommend that chatbot providers clearly explain a chatbot's capabilities and limitations, safety and reliability practices, data use and protection, and channels for reporting concerns.

Teo said information users need is often presented in a "scattered" manner. She likened the info card to a medicine label, providing a single, consolidated place where users can easily find essential information about a chatbot.

The info card can take various forms, such as a dedicated webpage or a disclosure document, but should be written in plain language, easy to navigate and readily accessible.

Providers are encouraged to update the information whenever significant changes affect a chatbot's capabilities, risks or safety policies.

According to a statement from Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, several organizations, including global AI companies Google and Meta, as well as major Singapore-based AI deployers such as DBS, OCBC, Singapore Airlines and Synapxe, have indicated they intend to use the guidelines as a reference over the next six to 12 months.

The guidelines currently focus on generative AI chatbots because of "their scale, high consumer touchpoint, and growing societal concerns around data privacy, the safety of minors, and risks to mentally vulnerable users," said the statement.

During the opening of the five-day Singapore Data Festival, the government also released several initiatives, including a playbook to help enterprises adopt digital twin technologies and advisory guidelines on the use of personal data in generative AI.