Can Singapore consumers stop companies using their AI training data?

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Singapore consumers may be told their data is used for AI training, but they may not always be able to stop it.

From today, Singapore organisations using personal data to develop or improve generative AI models must issue AI-specific notifications explaining what types of personal data are used and how it is handled. However, the PDPC guidelines do not require companies to provide a way for consumers to opt out or withdraw consent, so consumers may be informed but not always able to stop the use of their data for AI training. Organisations also do not need to send notifications when they use anonymised data that cannot be linked back to individuals.
AI-specific notifications start from July 20 for generative AI training
The PDPC’s new guidelines require organisations in Singapore that use personal data to develop or improve generative AI models to inform users through AI-specific notifications. These notices may cover data categories including names, contact details, photographs, voice recordings, biometric information, and financial or transaction records, and they could appear as in-app pop-ups, webpages, or other disclosure documents.
The guidelines do not mandate an opt-out or consent withdrawal mechanism
Even with the new notifications, companies are not required to offer a standard notice format and the guidelines do not make it mandatory to provide an opt-out or a way to withdraw consent. As a result, consumers may learn their information is being used for AI training, but they may not have a guaranteed legal or practical mechanism to stop that use under these notification rules.
Service refusal is not allowed just because a consumer disagrees
The guidelines also indicate that organisations such as banks, insurers, and social media platforms cannot refuse to provide services solely because consumers do not agree to their data being used to train AI systems. This means that, even where consumers do not want their information used for AI training, the organisation’s ability to continue providing the service is not made conditional on their consent.
Notifications are not required for anonymised data that cannot identify individuals
Where organisations use anonymised data that cannot be linked back to individuals, the guidelines say they do not need to issue notifications. That creates a situation where consumers may not receive AI training-related disclosures at all if the data used is anonymised in a way that prevents identification.

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Can Singapore consumers stop companies using their AI training data?

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