News

Data Protection Regime Being Reviewed 
Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 12:00 AM

Information, Communications and The Arts Minister Lee Boon Yang told Parliament that wider protection for personal information is needed in Singapore.

Dr Lee told Parliament, "We also recognise the need to protect personal data and personal information and the possible misuse of personal information or even identity thefts. This is especially critical as infocomm technology can be misused and distributed with potentially adverse impact on the individuals concerned. MICA appreciates the need to take a wider perspective on data protection. We recognise that an effective data protection regime will be an important pillar to develop Singapore's position as a trusted IT hub."

An inter-ministerial sub-committee will likely submit its report by the middle of 2006. It was set up in October 2005 under the National Infocomm Security Committee. Sixteen government agencies, including the Finance and Trade and Industry Ministries, sit on this sub-committee. It will not just develop guidelines, but also recommend legislation.