Derrick Goh on Registration of Criminals (Amendment) Bill

Data is the "new currency" and using it to fight crime will send a message to potential criminals that they will be caught, said MP Derrick Goh. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Sep 12), he said it is critical to balance the expanded collection, retention and usage of personal information with safeguards in data privacy and security. In this way, public trust in law enforcement agencies will be upheld, he said. He wanted to know what safeguards will be put in place to protect DNA information that is shared with foreign law enforcement agencies. He pointed out that "with greater powers come greater responsibilities" to further strengthen trust, in the light of data leakage due to cyber security attacks. He wanted to know how effective the existing safeguards are and how these can be improved to provide greater public assurance.