You Can Now Verify Your SingPass Account By Scanning Your Face
Currently, if you want to verify your SingPass account, you’ll either have to sign-in via the app, or using your one-time password (OTP).
However, from 16 Dec 2020, two more ways will be added to your repertoire when it comes to verifying your SingPass account.
1. Face Recognition
Just like how you unlock your newer smartphones, you can scan your face using the front camera of your mobile phone, or an Internet-enabled computer with a connected Web camera from 16 Dec 2020.
According to GovTech, SingPass users will still need to input their login details.
When asked to verify their identity, they can get the device to scan their face, which will then be matched against the national biometric database.
It was added that this method is not available on the SingPass mobile app.
To protect against fraud, the technology is designed to detect, and stop attempts to use photographs, videos, or masks during the verification process.
This is also great for overseas Singaporeans who might not have a local number to receive OTPs.
2. OTP Sent To Another Trusted User
Another way to verify your identity is to send an OTP to another trusted user via SMS.
This other person can then help the original account holder complete the transaction they want to do.
To activate this service, both parties must turn up at any SingPass counter with their NRIC or FIN to consent to the arrangement.
Good For People Who Don’t Have The Technology Know-How
According to Mr Kwok Quek Sin, senior director of national identity at GovTech, they understand that not everyone is digitally-savvy and knows how to navigate smartphones and computers.
With the two new methods, even people who are not technologically-savvy are able to access SingPass services.
For the face recognition verification, people who are not digitally-inclined don’t have to go through the process of retrieving and inputting OTPs.
As for the second new method, sending OTP to another person, an elderly parent could place his child as a trusted person and depend on him or her to help him with his transactions.
Next year, end-March, the agency will be decommissioning the OneKey token.
Currently, GovTech is trying to facilitate OneKey users’ transition to the new login methods via a myriad of ways, including digital clinics, tapping on digital ambassadors and through direct mail.
Other than the new verification methods, you are now also able to change your residential address via your SingPass account from the comfort of your own home.
Currently, if you want to verify your SingPass account, you’ll either have to sign-in via the app, or using your one-time password (OTP).
However, from 16 Dec 2020, two more ways will be added to your repertoire when it comes to verifying your SingPass account.
1. Face Recognition
Just like how you unlock your newer smartphones, you can scan your face using the front camera of your mobile phone, or an Internet-enabled computer with a connected Web camera from 16 Dec 2020.
According to GovTech, SingPass users will still need to input their login details.
When asked to verify their identity, they can get the device to scan their face, which will then be matched against the national biometric database.
It was added that this method is not available on the SingPass mobile app.
To protect against fraud, the technology is designed to detect, and stop attempts to use photographs, videos, or masks during the verification process.
This is also great for overseas Singaporeans who might not have a local number to receive OTPs.
2. OTP Sent To Another Trusted User
Another way to verify your identity is to send an OTP to another trusted user via SMS.
This other person can then help the original account holder complete the transaction they want to do.
To activate this service, both parties must turn up at any SingPass counter with their NRIC or FIN to consent to the arrangement.
Good For People Who Don’t Have The Technology Know-How
According to Mr Kwok Quek Sin, senior director of national identity at GovTech, they understand that not everyone is digitally-savvy and knows how to navigate smartphones and computers.
With the two new methods, even people who are not technologically-savvy are able to access SingPass services.
For the face recognition verification, people who are not digitally-inclined don’t have to go through the process of retrieving and inputting OTPs.
As for the second new method, sending OTP to another person, an elderly parent could place his child as a trusted person and depend on him or her to help him with his transactions.
Next year, end-March, the agency will be decommissioning the OneKey token.
Currently, GovTech is trying to facilitate OneKey users’ transition to the new login methods via a myriad of ways, including digital clinics, tapping on digital ambassadors and through direct mail.
Other than the new verification methods, you are now also able to change your residential address via your SingPass account from the comfort of your own home.
