SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean addressed the serious implications of the 2023 Bizfile incident, where full National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers were mistakenly displayed in search results. During a recent parliamentary session, he reassured Members of Parliament (MPs) that necessary actions are being taken against officers involved while highlighting the need for fairness in handling the situation.
Review Findings and Government Response
The review panel’s report, released in early March 2024, found no malicious intent or wilful wrongdoing but identified six key shortcomings that contributed to the lapse. Both the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) acknowledged their failures, apologising for the oversight that raised public anxiety.
Balance Between Accountability and Encouragement
- MP Jessica Tan (PAP-East Coast) and MP Tin Pei Ling (PAP-MacPherson) expressed concern about overly harsh penalties for officers, fearing it may deter them from taking necessary risks.
- Teo echoed their sentiments, stating a need for a balanced approach to ensure accountability without stifling officers’ judgement.
Actions Being Taken
MDDI and ACRA are implementing various measures, including:
- Reviewing the performance of the officers involved, with financial consequences for errors.
- Enhancing communication processes to prevent future misinterpretations.
- Conducting training sessions to better equip staff in managing personal data and implementing policy changes.
Government Commitment to Data Protection
Teo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting citizens’ personal data. As a safeguard, MDDI is developing clear guidelines on NRIC usage and has committed to consulting the public and industry stakeholders before any changes are made.
The government has also been monitoring the dark web for the sale of compromised NRIC numbers, confirming there have been no discoveries to date.
Looking Ahead
As the incident showcased a clear need for improvement, Teo emphasised that the lessons learnt must be internalised across the public service. “When things go wrong, we are upfront with Singaporeans on where we have fallen short,” he stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and ongoing improvement.