But for Singapore’s national identity project to take off, more can be done to increase uptake on the ground. It is of note that the rollout of digital identities has been led by government agencies, meaning that some private businesses are not yet on board with digital ICs.
A forum letter written in April 2021 described how, in terminating a contract, a cable TV service did not accept digital ICs due to the possibility that it was a copy and hence required the customer to present a physical NRIC.
A representative from the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office wrote back, noting that government agencies should accept digital ICs by the end of 2021 and encouraged businesses to follow the Government’s lead and accept them too.
The road ahead for Singapore’s digital national identity project is an exciting one.
But nudging the adoption of any new product or feature, especially when they deal with something as sensitive as one’s personal data, is an uphill task. Clear communication, to prevent uncertainty, and adjustments, where policies can be simplified, are required to ensure the journey works for all.
As with new technology and any effort to digitalise services, the answer to risks cannot be simply to revert to an older way of doing things and leave it as that.
Bryan Tan is a Technology, Media and Telecom partner at Reed Smith and former president of the Singapore chapter of the Internet Society.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest For News Update Click Here
