"Comprehensive Guide to SingPass in Less Than Half a Page"
In the bustling city-state of Singapore, digital innovation is transforming various aspects of everyday life, and one such innovation is SingPass Face Verification. This groundbreaking technology, a part of the SingPass ecosystem, is revolutionising customer onboarding processes in businesses across the country.
SingPass, a digital identity number used by Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, and certain pass holders, serves as the foundation for this innovative system. With a SingPass number, an individual can set up an account on the SingPass website or mobile app and access a multitude of governmental and private services, including paying taxes or applying for a mortgage.
SingPass Face Verification, introduced in Summer 2020, is a recent addition to the SingPass ecosystem. This biometric verification method enables identity verification through facial recognition during digital onboarding processes. The technology has been warmly received, particularly in the finance and regulated industries, as part of robust digital identity and access management frameworks.
To integrate SingPass Face Verification, businesses first register as partners with the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) to access SingPass APIs, including the Face Verification API. Using SingPass's developer portal and API documentation, businesses incorporate the Face Verification API into their customer onboarding systems or apps.
The process continues with user consent and identity verification. Customers use the onboarding platform where they consent to face verification via SingPass. A live selfie or video is captured, and SingPass compares it against the stored photo to authenticate the customer's identity remotely and securely.
Compliance and security are paramount. Integration must comply with Singapore’s data protection laws (PDPA) and incorporate strong cybersecurity practices aligned with standards like those recommended by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. This ensures secure handling of personal data and prevents identity fraud.
SingPass Face Verification is embedded in various government digital services already and is being adopted progressively in the private sector. Shortly after MyInfo, a data platform that helps businesses onboard clients by automatically filling out electronic forms, was introduced, banks reported a decrease of up to 80% in customer onboarding time.
The SingPass application process is straightforward and takes only three minutes. An individual can apply for SingPass either online or at a SingPass counter, providing their name, ID document number, and issue date (e.g. National Registration Identity Card or Employment Pass). After applying, the SingPass number and a one-time password will be mailed to the individual's postal address. No electronic scans or original copies of documents are required during the application process.
In conclusion, SingPass Face Verification represents a significant stride forward in digital identity verification, enhancing onboarding efficiency and security for businesses in Singapore. By registering with GovTech SingPass services, integrating the provided Face Verification API into onboarding workflows, obtaining user consent for biometric verification, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and cybersecurity standards, businesses can securely verify customers’ identities remotely, streamlining their onboarding processes and providing a more seamless digital experience for all.
[1] Government Technology Agency of Singapore. (n.d.). SingPass. Retrieved from https://www.tech.gov.sg/products-services/singpass
[2] Government Technology Agency of Singapore. (n.d.). SingPass Developer Portal. Retrieved from https://developer.tech.gov.sg/apis/singpass
[3] Government Technology Agency of Singapore. (n.d.). Face Verification API. Retrieved from https://developer.tech.gov.sg/apis/face-verification-api
[4] Government Technology Agency of Singapore. (n.d.). MyInfo. Retrieved from https://www.tech.gov.sg/products-services/myinfo
[5] Government Technology Agency of Singapore. (n.d.). MyInfo API. Retrieved from https://developer.tech.gov.sg/apis/myinfo-api
- In the finance industry, the integration of SingPass Face Verification has been particularly beneficial, as it contributes to robust digital identity and access management frameworks, facilitating secure and efficient customer onboarding processes.
- With the growing adoption of SingPass Face Verification, technology and finance sectors in Singapore are leveraging this groundbreaking biometric verification method to improve security, streamline onboarding processes, and provide a more seamless digital experience for all.
