MDDI's Response to PQ on Safeguards for Use of Wearable Devices that Covertly Record or Apply Facial Recognition to Individuals in Public Spaces

Parliament Sitting on 10 September 2026

Question for Oral Answer

*32. Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Ministry has studied how other jurisdictions have adopted or proposed device or capability-specific safeguards to address wearable devices that can covertly record or apply facial recognition to individuals in public spaces; and (b) if so, whether the Ministry will review the adequacy of current frameworks, including the Personal Data Protection Act 2012, in light of such studies.

Answer

The Member may refer to my replies to Ms Joan Pereira on 8 April 2026 and Mr Gerald Giam on 6 May 2026, which set out the Government’s approach to wearable devices, including the safeguards under existing laws. The Government continues to monitor regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions, and will review our regulatory frameworks as technologies, risks and safeguards evolve.

*Converted to written answer