Singapore became the world's first country to incorporate facial verification into a national digital identity system, with four million Singaporeans able to access digital government services online using facial verification under the National Digital Identity (NDI) program TechAssista. The system requires biometric verification to access a mix of some 400 public and private service
- SingPass Integration: The facial verification technology, primarily provided by UK-based iProov and integrated by Toppan Ecquaria, is a core component of the existing SingPass digital identity scheme. SingPass is already a highly advanced platform allowing Singaporeans and residents to access over 2,700 public and private sector services.
- Secure Authentication: When a user wants to access a service requiring identity verification, they can opt for SingPass Face Verification (SFV). This involves a brief biometric scan of their face using a webcam on a computer, tablet, or mobile phone, or at designated public kiosks.
- "Genuine Presence Assurance": A key feature of the technology is "Genuine Presence Assurance." This means the system not only matches the scanned face to the image stored in the government's biometric database (from national identity cards, passports, etc.) but also verifies that the person is genuinely present. It does this by analyzing a cryptographic sequence of colors displayed on the screen during the scan, preventing the use of photographs, masks, videos, or deepfakes.
- Consent-Driven: A crucial aspect highlighted by Singaporean authorities is that facial verification is always done with the explicit consent of the user. It is not for surveillance purposes.
- No Data Sharing with Private Sector: When private businesses utilize the SFV feature, they do not receive the actual biometric data. Instead, they only receive a matching score indicating the verification's success, ensuring user privacy. The images collected during verification are only retained on government servers for a limited time (e.g., 30 days).
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: The system is designed to be inclusive. Even individuals without smartphones can use it at kiosks with webcams, allowing them to access digital services.
- Enhanced Security: Facial verification provides a robust layer of security, significantly reducing the risk of fraud, unauthorized access, and phishing scams. It makes it harder for cybercriminals to exploit stolen credentials.
- Streamlined User Access and Convenience: Citizens no longer need to remember multiple passwords or carry physical documents for various transactions. A quick face scan simplifies access to a wide range of government and private services, from filing taxes and accessing health records to opening bank accounts.
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Automated processes like identity verification reduce administrative burdens for both government agencies and businesses. This speeds up service delivery and decision-making.
- Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for physical documentation and manual verification, the system contributes to reduced operational costs.
- Improved Compliance: SingPass helps ensure that agencies and businesses adhere to security and data protection regulations.
- Digital Inclusion: The accessibility of the system, including kiosk options, helps ensure that even those with limited digital literacy or without mobile phones can participate in the digital economy.
- Foundation for Smart Nation: This initiative is a fundamental component of Singapore's "Smart Nation" vision, fostering a more digitally connected and efficient society.
- https://exigasoftware.com.sg/biometric-face-authentication-singapore/
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