Given how NRIC numbers have been treated historically in Singapore, according to Singapore University of Social Sciences ( SUSS) law lecturer Ben Chester Cheong, it was natural that the initial rollout of the new policy through ACRA’s Bizfile portal caused some public concern.
What’s the distinction between identifying and verifying?
The government’s change in attitude towards the NRIC “reflects a sophisticated understanding of current personality management”, said Mr Cheong.
” This development acknowledges the growing need for corporate accountability and position with global digital personality practices, while recognising the growing need for corporate clarity,” he said.
According to Mr. Cheong,” The modern era has transformed our approach to security,” adding that stable identifiers like NRIC numbers are now less valuable for verification as more advanced authentication techniques become standard.
” Current digital security relies on powerful certifications that can be changed if compromised, along with multi-factor verification methods and encrypted connections”, he explained.
The change offers” a more honest and realistic approach to id administration in our modern age,” according to Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, head of the public safety and security program at SUSS.
Authorities told CNA that recognition, for which private issues arise for most people, is a separate topic from identification, which is driven by safety considerations.
” Verification simply means showing who you are, such as putting your name in your NRIC.” Verification, on the other hand, proves you are who you claim to be”, said Mr Cheong.
He emphasized that the government’s policy change is focusing “on powerful authentication methods more than treating names as strategies.”
The timing of this shift makes feeling at a stage where Singapore’s electronic economy is maturing, with a rising need for clearer systems around identity control, he added.
This shift becomes even more relevant in light of future technological developments, said Mr Cheong. ” Many current cryptographic methods may become vulnerable with the advent of quantum computing on the horizon.”
What are other options beyond NRIC numbers?
Emphasising the need to verify rather than just identify individuals in the digital age, Assoc Prof Razwana suggested methods such as facial verification, biometric authentication, two-factor authentication and SMS one-time passwords, moving forward.
These are already employed by Singpass, she noted.
According to experts, important travel destinations like Changi Airport and Marina Bay Cruise Center already use facial and iris biometrics as a form of verification, eliminating the need for visitors to present physical passports.