Digital & technology — Topics

19 Nov 2018

Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces GST on imported digital services, effective from 2020, using a Reverse Charge for B2B transactions and an Overseas Vendor Registration regime for B2C services to level the playing field with local suppliers.
It enhances IRAS’s investigative powers for GST crimes, including forced entry and arrest, and allows sharing of tax information with law enforcement agencies to combat serious crimes.
The Bill strengthens penalties for unauthorised GST collection, introducing custodial sentences for negligent offences to protect consumers and deter abuse.
MPs raised questions on implementation challenges, differential GST rates for luxury items, and extending GST to online goods, but the Minister defended the single-rate system paired with targeted assistance like the GST Voucher scheme.

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19 Nov 2018

Payment Services Bill

The Payment Services Bill aims to provide a licensing framework for payment service providers and regulate payment systems, replacing the outdated Money-changing and Remittance Businesses Act and the Payment Systems (Oversight) Act.
The bill was presented by Minister for Education Mr Ong Ye Kung and is scheduled for a second reading in the next parliamentary sitting, with provisions for consequential amendments to other Acts.
The debate focuses on modernizing payment regulations to address evolving financial technologies and ensure a robust oversight mechanism.

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2 Oct 2018

Regulation on Collation and Use of Behavioural Data and Patterns by Online Platforms

Murali Pillai questioned the need for “do not track” legislation to regulate how online platforms collate and use behavioural data in Singapore.
S Iswaran responded that the Personal Data Protection Act already governs the collection and use of such data, with the PDPC able to investigate and enforce compliance.
He noted that while data-driven innovation offers benefits, public concerns about misuse are acknowledged, and existing tools like browser settings and privacy plugins help users control tracking.
The ministry will continue monitoring developments to balance individual privacy interests with innovation in the digital economy.

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2 Oct 2018

Airlines and Relevant Authorities Safeguard Passenger information

The Senior Minister of State for Transport highlighted that Singapore airlines face cybersecurity threats and have measures like monitoring, regular testing, and collaboration with authorities such as CAAS and international bodies to protect passenger data, while also complying with the Personal Data Protection Act.
Saktiandi Supaat inquired about plans to strengthen legislation for passenger protection in the event of a cybersecurity breach, specifically asking if existing air passenger protection laws could be enhanced.
Janil Puthucheary responded that the new Cybersecurity Act designates aviation as critical infrastructure, with the Cyber Security Agency appointing an Assistant Commissioner to oversee the sector, thereby improving passenger safety and industry operations.

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1 Oct 2018

Initiatives to Ensure Compliance with Advisory Guidelines for NRIC and other Identification Numbers

The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) are using a two-pronged approach, including outreach and technical support, to help organisations align with the updated Advisory Guidelines on NRIC collection, with compliance required by 1 September 2019.
PDPC will review complaints from individuals about non-compliance and may direct organisations to dispose of data or impose financial penalties, while also offering guidance on alternatives to NRIC numbers and templates for customer notifications.
Consumers can report inappropriate NRIC collection directly to PDPC, which will assess each case and take enforcement actions where necessary.

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1 Oct 2018

Causes for IT Glitch that Resulted in Patients Receiving Mislabelled Medicines

An IT vendor’s unapproved code change caused a system glitch in GP Connect that printed wrong dosage labels for over 100 clinics and 800 patients, though correct medicines and quantities were dispensed and no adverse effects were reported.
IHiS investigated, notified clinics, enhanced testing and monitoring, and is reviewing procedures to prevent future software errors, while clinics manually corrected labels during the incident.
Health Ministry noted existing clinic practices for prescription verification and will work with medical bodies to improve medication safety, while considering new technologies like blockchain for data security.

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10 Sep 2018

Pre-ticked Boxes for Purchase of Additional Goods and Services in Online Transactions

Joan Pereira asked whether pre-ticked boxes for additional purchases or consent in online transactions can be made illegal.
Chan Chun Sing stated the government balances pro-enterprise goals with consumer protection, advising consumers to review terms and suppliers to be transparent.
The government noted the suggestion on pre-ticked boxes and will study it further with stakeholder feedback and global best practices.

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10 Sep 2018

Complaints from Mobile Customers about Being Subscribed to Third-party Services without Their Consent

Joan Pereira raised concerns about mobile customers being subscribed to third-party services without consent, asking about the causes, preventive measures, and support for elderly victims.
S Iswaran explained that complaints often arise from users not reading terms and conditions, and highlighted IMDA’s measures including clearer disclosures, a free PRS barring service that reduced complaints by 80% since 2012, and consumer education efforts.
IMDA intervenes to engage service providers, who may waive charges on goodwill basis, and activates barring services for affected consumers, while urging vigilance in understanding terms before subscribing.

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10 Sep 2018

Possible Adverse Economic and Psychological Impact of Move to Cashless Society

Sylvia Lim asked about the potential negative economic and psychological effects of moving to a cashless society on specific groups, while the Prime Minister's representative clarified that Singapore does not aim to be fully cashless and cash will remain in use for the foreseeable future.
The government highlighted the growing adoption of e-payments, noting that over 80% of Singaporeans use them and over a million have signed up for PayNow, with benefits such as increased convenience for consumers and reduced cash handling costs for businesses.
Infrastructure like FAST, PayNow, and a standardised QR code has been developed to support e-payments, though the full benefits are still emerging as solutions proliferate and become more user-friendly.
Efforts are being made to educate the public, including seniors and workers, through programs by government agencies, banks, and community volunteers to ensure everyone can benefit from digital payments.

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10 Sep 2018

Status of 11 Critical Information Infrastructure Sectors Identified to Review Their Connections to Untrusted External Network

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has instructed the 11 Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) sectors to review their connections to untrusted external networks, with the review to be completed by the end of 2018.
The Prime Minister stated that the Government will not provide grants or funding for companies to implement cybersecurity measures, as these costs should be borne by companies as part of normal business expenses.
The Government will continue to work closely with CII owners to strengthen cybersecurity, providing professional advice and resources such as SingCERT and Gosafeonline for guidance and education.

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10 Sep 2018

Update on Progress of Conversion to Digital TV

As of August 2018, about 80% of Singaporean households receive digital TV, with efforts underway to reach the remaining households before the analogue signal switch-off on 31 December 2018.
The DTV Starter Kit, offering free equipment and installation or $100 discounts, has been redeemed by over 207,000 HDB households without Pay TV subscriptions as of August 2018.
IMDA is collaborating with community partners and Mediacorp to boost awareness through roadshows, service counters, briefings, on-screen crawlers, and soon, reduced screen size on analogue channels.

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10 Sep 2018

E-commerce Scams in Online Marketplaces

The Minister acknowledged that a minority of e-commerce scams are solved, with low prosecution rates, largely due to overseas syndicates and the anonymity of the internet.
The Ministry is collaborating with online platforms to implement protective measures, including user advisories on risk minimization and the use of secured payment systems.
Platforms like Carousell have introduced features such as CarouPay, an escrow system that releases payment only after buyers confirm receipt of items.

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10 Sep 2018

Percentage of Mobile Phone Ownership by Income Group

Mobile phone ownership is high across all income groups, ranging from 88.7% for the lowest 20% of households to 99.7% for the 61st to 80th percentiles, according to the latest Household Expenditure Survey.
Mobile phones and related costs are included in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, with the communications category experiencing a slight price decline of 0.2% per annum from 2012 to 2017, reflecting a competitive market.
The government acknowledges mobile phones as vital for digital services and is exploring support for low-income households, including communications needs in ComCare assistance and initiatives under the Digital Readiness Blueprint.

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10 Sep 2018

Appropriate Security Assessment Measures in Place for Screening of Cybersecurity Staff and Contractors

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned whether appropriate security assessment measures would be implemented for cybersecurity staff and contractors from various backgrounds, including those from countries linked to recent cyberattacks on SingHealth, NUS, and NTU.
S Iswaran stated that public service staff and contractors dealing with classified government information must undergo security screening, and critical infrastructure sectors like banking and finance are required to screen staff and contractors with access to key systems.
The Cyber Security Agency will license penetration testing and managed security operations centre services to ensure providers meet criteria, including that key executives are fit and proper persons.
Critical infrastructure owners must calibrate vendor access based on business needs and cybersecurity risk profiles under the Cybersecurity Code of Practice.
The government acknowledged that while these measures help mitigate insider risks, they are not foolproof.

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6 Aug 2018

Update on Revitalisation of Shops Scheme for HDB Neighbourhood Shops

HDB has implemented several measures including new neighbourhood centre designs, curated trade-mix, extended grants for community events, and the ROS scheme which was enhanced in May 2016, with 17 sites announced under its seventh batch and various upgrades and promotional events underway.
To address digitalisation, the Retail Industry Transformation Map and various grants like the Productivity Solutions Grant support retailers in adopting e-commerce and digital tools, with over 300 SMEs applying for support and plans to expand pre-approved e-commerce solutions.
HDB is trialling free Wi-Fi and shopper traffic monitoring at select complexes, while Merchant Associations can use ROS funds for digital initiatives like directories and sensors, and retailers can also use the free Where2Shop website to establish an online presence.

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6 Aug 2018

Provision of Free Digital TV Starter Kits

Png Eng Huat questioned whether households that adopted digital TV early were penalized because they missed the initial conditional assistance scheme and thus could not access the new free starter kit or $100 voucher.
S Iswaran explained that the original 2014 DTV Assistance Scheme targeted low-income households, while the expanded 2018 DTV Starter Kit now allows all HDB households without pay-TV to redeem free equipment or a voucher.
He noted that households that switched early are not disadvantaged, as they can still redeem the starter kit for secondary TVs or as backup equipment if they meet eligibility criteria.
The government’s goal is to help as many households as possible continue enjoying free-to-air TV after the analogue signal ends in December 2018.

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6 Aug 2018

Safeguarding Records and Personal Particulars against Cyberattacks

Zainal Sapari raised concerns about the consequences for individuals whose data was stolen in the SingHealth cyberattack and asked about precautions to prevent misuse, especially on the dark web.
Murali Pillai inquired about the implementation timeline for Cybersecurity Act provisions requiring owners of critical information infrastructure to report incidents promptly.
Minister S Iswaran referred both questions to his earlier ministerial statement from 6 August 2018, which detailed the government's response to the SingHealth cyberattack.

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6 Aug 2018

Plans to Digitise Current Photocard Driving Licence

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Home Affairs about plans to digitise the current photocard driving licence, noting that provisional driving licences are already paperless.
K Shanmugam responded that the Traffic Police is reviewing the digitisation of the qualified driving licence and will provide more information once the review is completed.
The debate focused on modernising driving licences in line with technological advancements and existing paperless systems for provisional licences.

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6 Aug 2018

Access to and Security of Data from Street Lighting Cameras Using Facial Recognition Technology

Leon Perera questioned the Prime Minister about measures for security and privacy protection and which agencies and personnel would have access to data from street lighting cameras using facial recognition technology.
The Prime Minister responded that the Smart Nation Sensor Platform is testing and deploying sensors, including cameras on street lamps that support facial recognition for security investigations, similar to existing public place cameras.
Security and privacy are ensured through industry best practices like access controls, encryption, and identity hashing to prevent re-identification, with data access limited to public officers needing it for operational duties.
The Public Sector Governance Act clarifies data sharing rules, agency responsibilities, and criminalizes data misuse across government agencies.

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6 Aug 2018

Projected Number of Data Protection Officers Needed

The Minister confirmed that all private-sector organizations in Singapore must appoint a Data Protection Officer under the PDPA, but only about 60% have done so as of a 2018 survey.
The Ministry and PDPC are actively working to increase both the number and capabilities of DPOs through dedicated training programs, including e-learning, professional conversion courses, and university-level certifications.
Efforts are also underway to foster a collaborative environment for DPOs by making Singapore a regional training hub and supporting professional communities and events.
Organizations are urged to appoint and support their DPOs to comply with the law and build consumer trust, but no specific projected numbers or current shortfall figures were provided in the response.

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