Why is Singpass Face Verification mandatory?
Singpass Face Verification (SFV) is required to protect your digital identity and ensure that only you can access or make changes to your account. It is a compulsory security measure applied to all Singpass users to safeguard their data, and cannot be removed.
What is SFV used for?
SFV may be triggered for higher-risk transactions carrying a greater chance of fraud or account takeover, so we use biometrics to verify that it’s really you.
We use SFV to:
Strengthen identity verification and fraud prevention
Enable secure access for users without the app or token (e.g. overseas Singaporeans, seniors)
Reduce the need for in-person verification at service counters
It’s part of our commitment to keeping digital services secure, accessible, and trusted.
Why aren't passwords or SMS One-Time Passwords (OTP) enough?
As scams and cyber threats continue to evolve, SFV is critical in protecting your Singpass account and ensuring secure authentication.
Scams and phishing attacks can trick users into giving away SMS OTPs or login details. SFV adds an extra layer of security that is much harder to fake or steal, even if someone already has your personal details.
Is my photo stored or saved?
Yes. Your facial data is collected and used for purposes such as authenticating your identity and improving SFV. To further protect your information, facial data is encrypted, stored securely, and safeguarded with tamper-evident logging. You may also monitor your Singpass transaction history for face verification attempts.
Read more about why we retain this data here.
What if I can’t complete SFV?
If you’re having trouble using SFV, please follow the troubleshooting steps in this video or contact us for support. We're here to help.