The Singaporean government apologized for an incident where the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) inadvertently released full NRIC numbers on its Bizfile portal. The government stated that the issue stemmed from a communication breakdown and a desire to strengthen NRIC usage as a unique identifier. They emphasized their commitment to protecting citizens' data and explained that the move to phase out masked NRIC numbers is aimed at enhancing security.
The government apologised during a press conference on Thursday, with ACRA chief executive Chia-Tern Huey Min saying the incident was due to a lapse in coordination.
“On behalf of ACRA, I would like to apologise for causing anxiety and concerns to members of the public over the disclosure of NRIC numbers on our Bizfile portal,” said ACRA’s chief executive Chia-Tern Huey Min.Current use of NRIC numbers 'leaves us vulnerable': Why Singapore wants to change the way it uses identification numbers
Acknowledging the mistake and oversight on ACRA’s part, she reiterated her apology for the anxiety and confusion caused to the public. As Singapore's national business registry, ACRA has to keep an accessible repository of information on business entities and the people behind them to facilitate due diligence checks, she said. This ensures corporate transparency and guards against illicit activities.
In response to a CNA question on whether any action will be taken towards staff from ACRA or any other agency found responsible for this lapse, Ms Indranee said it would be “premature at this stage to say whether anything is going to happen to the particular staff in question”. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo looks on as Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah speaks during a press conference addressing the disclosure of NRIC Numbers on the Bizfile Portal and NRIC policy at the National Press Centre on Dec 19, 2024.
Singapore Government Apology NRIC Data Security ACRA Bizfile Portal
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