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Digital IC on Singpass app can be used for public services from 1 Nov

Singpass' new Digital IC interface. (SCREENSHOT: GovTech)
Singpass' new Digital IC interface. (SCREENSHOT: GovTech)

SINGAPORE — Singaporeans who forget to bring their NRIC cards for government services will have an alternative means to prove their identity, with all agencies accepting the use of the Digital Identity Card on the Singpass app from next Monday (1 November).

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) said in a media release on Thursday that Singpass app users can prove their identity using the Digital IC when transacting at government counters, polyclinics and public libraries.

There are a few instances where the physical IC is still needed, such as for marriage registrations and hotel check-ins. SNDGO and GovTech are working on amending the legislation to formalise the use of Digital IC for these exceptions.

The Digital IC feature was introduced in the Singpass app in May 2020.

To protect the user's identity, the Digital IC features the user’s latest photograph provided to the government, and is accompanied by a holographic lion crest to prevent image tampering and screenshot spoofing. In addition, the user's NRIC number or FIN are masked, and user authentication is required to view the full details.

According to GovTech, over 97 per cent of Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 15 and above have Singpass accounts, with more than 3.2 million Singpass app users conducting about 300 million personal and corporate transactions every year.

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