The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned the public against using artificial intelligence (AI) and face-swapping applications to create and share images showing themselves in SAPS uniforms or being arrested by police.
SAPS said while such images may appear to be harmless entertainment, realistic AI-generated photographs can easily be mistaken for genuine images and could have serious consequences if used to mislead or deceive others.
“The public is reminded that impersonating a police official is a criminal offence,” SAPS said.
Section 68 of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995 prohibits people from falsely claiming to be SAPS members or creating the impression that they are associated with the Service. Section 66 also regulates the unauthorised use of SAPS uniforms, badges and insignia.
The SAPS emblem and badge are legally protected and may not be copied, altered or used without permission. This includes displaying them on personal social media profiles or using them in other forms of personal representation.
SAPS members are also subject to restrictions governing the use of uniforms and insignia on social media under National Instruction 5 of 2017.
The police service said it was particularly concerned about AI-generated images depicting people being arrested, as these could falsely suggest that someone had been arrested or involved in criminal activity.
“SAPS stresses that simply creating an AI image does not automatically mean that a person has committed a crime. However, how the image is used, what it is intended to portray, and whether it is used to deceive or impersonate a police official will be important.”
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia said the public should exercise caution when using AI involving police uniforms or insignia.
“The SAPS uniform represents authority and public trust and should not be used as a costume or to create a false identity,” Lesia said.
“The message is simple: Think before you post. What looks like harmless fun today could have serious consequences tomorrow.”
SAPS said while such images may appear to be harmless entertainment, realistic AI-generated photographs can easily be mistaken for genuine images and could have serious consequences if used to mislead or deceive others.
“The public is reminded that impersonating a police official is a criminal offence,” SAPS said.
Section 68 of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995 prohibits people from falsely claiming to be SAPS members or creating the impression that they are associated with the Service. Section 66 also regulates the unauthorised use of SAPS uniforms, badges and insignia.
The SAPS emblem and badge are legally protected and may not be copied, altered or used without permission. This includes displaying them on personal social media profiles or using them in other forms of personal representation.
SAPS members are also subject to restrictions governing the use of uniforms and insignia on social media under National Instruction 5 of 2017.
The police service said it was particularly concerned about AI-generated images depicting people being arrested, as these could falsely suggest that someone had been arrested or involved in criminal activity.
“SAPS stresses that simply creating an AI image does not automatically mean that a person has committed a crime. However, how the image is used, what it is intended to portray, and whether it is used to deceive or impersonate a police official will be important.”
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia said the public should exercise caution when using AI involving police uniforms or insignia.
“The SAPS uniform represents authority and public trust and should not be used as a costume or to create a false identity,” Lesia said.
“The message is simple: Think before you post. What looks like harmless fun today could have serious consequences tomorrow.”
