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SINGAPORE – Residents can now verify the identity of their SingPass account by scanning their faces using computers and camera phones, or by entering a unique password sent to another trusted SingPass user.
These two features are available to all SingPass users accessing government digital services as of Wednesday (December 16).
They come as an addition to existing verification methods such as the SingPass mobile app and SMS-One Time Password (OTP), the Singapore Government Agency for Technology (GovTech) announced in a statement Wednesday.
To make use of the face verification feature, SingPass users will still need to enter their usernames and passwords when logging into their accounts.
They then authenticate their identities by scanning their faces on a computer with internet access with a webcam or a mobile device with a front camera. Previously, this verification feature was only available to users setting up the SingPass Mobile application on their smartphones.
Kwok Quek Sin, GovTech’s senior director of national digital identity, said the agency recognizes that some users are not as digitally savvy and cannot navigate smartphones or computers.
“SingPass Face Verification as a 2FA (two-factor authentication) alternative will be especially helpful as it reduces the need to enter additional information such as one-time passwords (OTP). This option also serves our overseas Singapore community who can they don’t have a locally registered number and they can’t receive SMS-OTP, “said Mr. Kwok.
Those without the proper devices can visit select locations, such as the Our Tampines Hub Public Service Center or the Central Provident Fund Board’s Bishan Service Center, to utilize the new identity verification methods.
To prevent fraud, technology is used to detect and block the use of photos, videos or masks during the verification process, GovTech said.
Users can also verify their identities by opting to have their OTPs sent to another trusted user via SMS. The other user can help the original user complete his transactions.
“For example, an elderly parent may choose to link their account to their child’s mobile number. With this, the child receives the SMS-OTP from their parent when the parent is transacting with SingPass,” GovTech said in its statement.
This option can be activated at any SingPass counter, and both parties must be present with their NRIC or FIN to show that they know and accept the terms of use.
The two new verification features were launched before the OneKey token decommissioning in late March next year, GovTech said.
“We are actively facilitating the transition to these alternative 2FA methods for the remaining 120,000 OneKey token users, through direct mail, digital clinics and digital ambassadors,” GovTech said.
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