Deep Dive Podcast: What are the implications of unmasking NRIC numbers?

The Singapore government has announced its intention to cease masking of National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers, a unique identifier comprising nine alpha-numerics issued to each citizen, following privacy concerns raised over the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority’s (ACRA) new Bizfile portal which displays the numbers in full. This has sparked a new wave of uncertainty among locals – how does this change the way such information is used and how should individuals and businesses continue protecting themselves from cyber threats?

In a recent episode of CNA‘s Deep Dive Podcast, Steve Tan, Deputy Head of Rajah & Tann Singapore’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications Practice, acknowledges that Singaporeans have been “conditioned to treat national identification numbers carefully as it is immutable and is like a master key that unlocks access to platforms and data.” This recent turn of events suggests the desensitisation of one’s NRIC number. The authorities will in turn be coming out with further statements or (revising) guidelines to clarify the position on NRIC numbers.

In light of significant cost and effort incurred by organisations in the past in putting in place processes and systems to deal with the processing of NRIC numbers, for now, Steve suggests that businesses await the authorities’ issuance of final statements / directions or revised guidelines, before entirely revamping existing systems and technologies. To consumers, his advice remains the same – always question why organisations need the personal data they are collecting and disclose based on your own comfort level.

Tune in to the full podcast here: https://bit.ly/4j2vbr5