Singapore is the first in the world to officially adopt 'face recognition technology' for identification

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore has newly integrated 'face recognition' into the authentication system of the Singapore version of My Number ' SingPass ', and it is now possible to perform identity verification such as final tax returns with 'face'.

Singapore rolls out facial verification for national digital identity programme --Cities Today --Connecting the world's urban leaders
https://cities-today.com/singapore-rolls-out-facial-verification-for-national-digital-identity-programme/

SingPass is a digital ID that can be called 'Singapore Individual Number' that can be used for various government services. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore has newly integrated the face recognition system of iProov, a major biometrics technology company in the United Kingdom, into this SingPass to implement cloud-based face recognition. The 'face data' required for this face recognition can be obtained not only by dedicated equipment installed in public institutions, but also by taking selfies with a smartphone.

Cloud-based face recognition implemented in SingPass verifies the identity of the user by collating the user's face data obtained by biometric scanning with a database stored in the government. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore has opened SingPass not only to government agencies but also to private companies such as banks and insurance, and in July 2020, DBS Bank will need to apply for new use of the Internet bank. Efforts have begun to utilize SingPass's face recognition system for confirmation procedures.

Apply for online banking with face recognition, DBS Bank-NNA ASIA / Singapore / Finance
https://www.nna.jp/news/show/2075060

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore said, 'We designed this system with privacy in mind,' and explained that user consent is required when using it, and that face data for verification is stored for only 30 days. When a private company uses SingPass face recognition, only the 'match score' calculated by collating the face data with the biometric database is sent to the company, so it is safe for privacy and the data on the company side. He said that it would remove the burden of collection, storage and protection, and would also benefit users.

Regarding the future outlook, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore is considering the introduction of SingPass's face recognition system for proof of identity and authentication of restricted areas during student examinations.