New Govt portal allows businesses to tap citizen data to speed up processes
Businesses and developers will get access to “simpler and hassle-free” digital services in a tie-up with the Government which will allow them to retrieve consumers’ personal details through the MyInfo service. Photo: Internet Screengrab
SINGAPORE – From the first quarter of next year, businesses will be able to streamline digital transactions through a new Government portal, allowing them access to citizen data from public agencies.
More than 100 businesses have already signalled interest in the MyInfo Developer and Partner Portal launched on Friday (Nov 10). The bulk of them are financial institutions (59 per cent), said the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) in a press release. Others include technology firms (16 per cent) and telecommunications and utilities firms (4 per cent).
The portal builds on the national personal data platform MyInfo. First rolled out in May last year, MyInfo allows users to extract citizen data from government agencies, such as the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, to auto-populate forms. This reduces the hassle of filling in forms repeatedly.
By the end of this year, all 3.3 million SingPass users are expected to be enrolled under MyInfo.
A pilot involving four banks – DBS, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered and United Overseas Bank – started in May this year. The banks were allowed to access data for the setting up of new bank accounts and credit card applications.
Responses have been favourable so far. Application times were cut by 80 per cent and there was a 15 per cent increase in approvals, due to the more reliable data found on MyInfo.
“The earlier pilot has helped bank users do away with the need to submit supporting documents such as NRIC scans or proof of address, ensuring greater convenience and faster transaction times,” said GovTech.
Standard Chartered Bank’s head of products and segments Dwaipayan Sadhu said the bank plans to integrate all key deposit and unsecured products with MyInfo in the coming months.
Another four banks are expected to come on board in the first quarter of next year. These are Citibank, Maybank, HSBC and American Express.
The latest expansion into the business sector is part of Singapore’s push to be a Smart Nation. It is one of the first countries to enable businesses to access citizen data – given with consent – and integrate them into their processes.
GovTech’s Government Chief Information Officer Chan Cheow Hoe said: “With MyInfo made available to a wider range of business transactions, we can help remove the need to verify documents, and even reduce time spent on face-to-face meetings. This significantly improves business efficiency as companies can (get their customers on board) faster.”
From Friday, developers will be able to access a sandbox at https://myinfo-api.app.gov.sg to explore integrating their systems with MyInfo and building relevant applications.
From December, locally-registered businesses with prototype apps will be able to use their CorpPass account to apply for specific data. GovTech will approve applications on a case-by-case basis from the first quarter of next year. The business value, as well as the relevance of the requested data, will be considered during the review.
There are no charges for using the portal. But the Government is currently studying charges for businesses with data requests that have been approved, and may announce them later.
Safeguards are in place to address security concerns and privacy of data. For instance, customers will have to consent before any data is released to businesses for every transaction.
“Businesses need to agree to safeguard the data and abide by the Personal Data Protection Act. Businesses found to be acting contrary to the terms of use or engaged in unlawful activities will have their access revoked. They could also be flagged out to relevant regulating authorities for further action,” said GovTech.
Among the interested parties are electronic payment business Liquid Group. Founder Jeremy Tan said that the portal will streamline documentation and verification processes for about 2,000 hawkers using his mobile payment app.
“It’s a big milestone for digital services. It reduces the chances of merchants dropping out halfway because the registration process is too hard,” he said.
