Public access to NRIC numbers via Acra’s portal sparks privacy debates
Online users have expressed concerns over a new feature in Bizfile, the online portal managed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra), which allows individuals to search for NRIC numbers of certain citizens. This includes those who are shareholders or directors of private companies registered in Singapore. The privacy concerns came to light after veteran journalist Bertha Henson raised the issue on Facebook on Dec 12. She pointed out that the search function allowed users to access the NRIC numbers of both current politicians and deceased individuals.
This ability to search such personal information raised significant privacy concerns, as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), enacted in 2012, restricts the collection and disclosure of personal data.
Acra’s Exemption from PDPA
Acra’s data policy indicates that it is exempt from the PDPA, allowing the disclosure of certain personal information, including names and identification numbers, through its online platform. However, the policy also notes that the holders of this data must comply with the PDPA and other relevant laws when using or disclosing such information.
This exception has led to questions about whether public access to NRIC numbers is in conflict with privacy standards, as Acra’s database allows easy retrieval of sensitive personal details. The Business Times has reached out to Acra for further comment.
