So today on 4th of Dec 19 while travelling I was prompted to verify my identity on Grab.

Read what Grab says here: https://help.grab.com/passenger/en-sg/360023573052-Why-am-I-asked-to-verify-my-identity-for-GrabPay-Wallet

If you read under singpass it says it “retrieve info from the Singapore Government Data base”

You will need to give your Login and Password. You will also need to provide and give access to your singpass.

If you select manual you will need to provide your IC and Fullname.

https://www.gov.sg/news/content/public-not-required-to-disclose-nric-numbers-from-sept-1-2019

From our Gov.sg website it says

Situations where NRIC numbers are still needed:

In situations where failure to properly identify an individual could pose a risk of significant harm, such as entering preschool premises or critical infrastructure buildings, as well as buying a property

By law, members of the public also have to provide NRIC numbers when visiting a doctor, checking into a hotel, subscribing to a telephone line, as well as getting hired at a new organisation

Why this matters

NRIC numbers are permanent and irreplaceable identifiers. Indiscriminate collection or negligent handling of the information can increase the risk of unintended disclosure and may result in illegal activities such as identity theft or fraud. In addition, the move to digitise records has increased these risks.

Other identifiers such as Birth Certificate numbers, Foreign Identification Numbers and Work Permit numbers are subjected to the same guidelines as NRIC numbers. While passport numbers are periodically replaced, the PDPC urged organisations to accord it similar treatment as NRICs.

SINGPASS

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/enhanced-singpass-what-you-need-to-know-and-do

From Straitstimes

SingPass is a password that secures Singapore residents’ access to more than 200 e-government services.

These include checking Central Provident Fund (CPF) account balances, filing taxes and applying for public housing.

It is used by more than 60 government agencies

We can still use Grab meantime but I will not be providing all this personal details unless our government gives an official press statement.

What do you think and feel?

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