NRIC Unmasking Saga Takes Center Stage in Parliament

The unmasking of National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers will be a key focus when Singapore's parliament convenes on Tuesday, January 7th. This follows concerns raised over the new Bizfile portal launched by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) on December 9th, which displayed names and full NRIC numbers for free via its search function.

Previously, search results displayed masked NRIC numbers, and users had to pay for full details. The government has since apologized for the anxiety caused and attributed the incident to a lapse in coordination.

Over 30 questions have been submitted by Members of Parliament (MPs) on the matter. These questions delve into the rationale behind the government's intention to phase out masked NRIC numbers, the potential security risks and privacy issues associated with the full availability of NRIC numbers, and whether sanctions will be imposed on ACRA or its officers for the exposure of NRIC numbers.

MPs have also inquired about the timing of the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) circular that sought to change the practice of masking NRIC numbers, whether any whole-of-government discussions took place before and after the issuance of the circular, and whether any other government agencies besides ACRA had misinterpreted the circular.

Additionally, questions have been raised about the potential for increased NRIC-related scams, particularly among the elderly, and how the government plans to mitigate these risks. Data on organizations investigated and fined under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) for disclosing NRIC numbers has also been requested.

The parliament session promises to be a platform for thorough examination of the NRIC unmasking saga, with MPs seeking answers and clarity on the government's policy shift and the potential implications for individual privacy and security.