Singaporeans are set to have the option to use their mobile ID app, Singpass, as proof of identity when casting their votes in the upcoming presidential election. This move reflects the increasing prevalence of Singpass, which employs facial recognition technology to verify users’ identities. While traditional physical national ID cards will still be accepted, this development showcases the expanding role of Singpass in various aspects of daily life.
Since November 2021, all government agencies have been mandated to recognize Singpass for online transactions, demonstrating its significance as a trusted digital identity solution. Singpass has also extended its utility to areas such as digital licenses for bus and taxi drivers and will serve as an e-Passport for travelers from neighboring Malaysia starting in 2024.
As of July, there were 2.7 million eligible voters in the city-state, a rise from 2.65 million in the 2020 General Election. Singpass currently holds the digital identities of 4.5 million residents, safeguarding their access to public health records, property titles, and financial accounts, among other features. The app is employed in the private sector for purposes such as securing online insurance transactions and bank account openings.
While Singpass was not accepted at the 2020 General Election, it has gained broader acceptance since November 2021, being recognized by various government agencies for e-citizen transactions. Its growing recognition culminated in the amendment of the Women’s Charter in December 2022 to include acceptance of Singpass for marriage registration. This move signifies the comprehensive embrace of the digital identity card by public agencies.
Source: The Straits Times
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August 11, 2023 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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