SingPass is known as a secure and convenient way for people to access digital government services using their fingerprint, facial recognition, or a 6-digit passcode. It was launched in October 2018. Users can also use shortcuts to access their MyInfo profile, perform in-person ID verification via QR codes, and access regularly used digital services. So far, 3.5 million SingPass users have enabled two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA is a two-step connection used for secure digital transactions.
The SingPass app has greatly served Singaporeans and the government has made many updates to improve the platform. The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) announcement that from November 1, all government agencies would accept digital integrated circuits when people use or request public services in person.
In addition to patient registration, the digital IC can be used to make appointments at public clinics, register for admission to government buildings, borrow books from public libraries, acquire passports, book tickets. apartments at the Housing Commission and collect the keys.
There will be a few exceptions at this time, such as when the law requires physical identification documents. Marriage registration, hotel registrations, and criminal investigations under the Code of Criminal Procedure or the National Registration Act are just a few examples. The government is working on changing laws to formalize the use of digital integrated circuits for these purposes, according to SNDGO and GovTech.
In a media interview, Mr. Tan Chee Hau, director of the planning and prioritization department of SNDGO, said the government was in talks with various sectors of the private sector on the use of the digital integrated circuit to subscribe to new plans. new telecommunications plans or registering bank accounts, among others. .
Businesses will no longer need to photograph people’s identity documents for their records if they use digital CI and other Singpass capabilities. Singpass has a feature called Verify that allows users to scan a QR code and provide their personal information to an organization. The digital IC, which is a virtual reproduction of the plastic document, contains the most recent photo of an individual donated to the government for easy visual checks, as well as a barcode that can be scanned for personal information.
The virtual document incorporates guarantees of confidentiality and security. The Singpass app, for example, only displays the last four characters of a person’s IC number, which can only be exposed by a fingerprint scan, face scan, or password. The digital integrated circuit also has an animated lion’s head crest that prevents the image from being tampered with or tampered with using screenshots.
The digital integrated circuit, on the other hand, will not completely replace the physical document. If an IC holder misplaces their plastic card, they should notify the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and request a physical replacement. From a larger smart nation perspective, he believes the digital integrated circuit demonstrates how technology can benefit people and improve their daily lives.
SNDGO and GovTech have worked with government entities in recent months to step up efforts to gain recognition for the virtual document. According to Mr. Tan, the process has been gradual taking into account public comments.
OpenGov Asia reported that as part of an initial 12-month pilot project, Singapore’s 3rd largest bank confirmed that it has launched a program that allows customers to sign electronic documents using the Singpass application. The bank said it would first test the use of electronic signature services with a set of its home and business customers.
Some of the transactions covered by the pilot include forms for individual wealth planning services and other business applications. Once the pilot is completed, the service will expand to more of its products and services for the retail and wholesale segments in Singapore.
Ultimately, 97% of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 15 and over have Singpass accounts. There are over 3.2 million Singpass app users and approximately 300 million personal and corporate Singpass transactions each year.
