Over 500,000 searches for NRIC numbers on ACRA website from Dec 9 to 13, but no known threat actors: Indranee

REVIEW TO BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY

A review panel, led by the head of civil service Leo Yip and reporting to Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, has been set up.

Ms Indranee said the panel will review the government’s policy on the responsible use of NRIC numbers and the disclosure of full NRIC numbers on ACRA’s new Bizfile portal.

“For both matters, the panel will study what happened, how the decisions were made, the implementation and communication processes, the coordination across public sector agencies, and where the government should have done and can do better,” she told the House.

“It will also recommend areas for improvement. Specific to the people search function on Bizfile, the panel will look into the design and implementation of the search function. 

Work is underway and the panel expects to complete its review in February and will share its findings thereafter.

Following this incident, ACRA is also reviewing how its people search function can be improved. 

For example, ACRA is considering the rollout of additional search parameters, such as the unique entity number (UEN) with which the individual is associated.

As for whether action will be taken against those involved, the minister said that will depend on the outcome of the review.

“Based on the panel’s preliminary findings, the incident seems to be a genuine case of miscommunication borne out of insufficient understanding of the policy intent and each party’s needs and requirements,” said Ms Indranee.

“Nevertheless, if the panel uncovers facts that suggest actionable wrongdoing or serious lapses, it will refer the matter to the relevant bodies or authorities for further disciplinary or legal action.”