Birth date not considered 'personal data' (Forum letter)

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/birth-date-not-considered-personal-data-20131206

As a responsible retailer, 7-Eleven requests that customers show their identity cards for verification of age, to fulfil its obligations and conduct necessary due diligence to ensure the sale of alcohol and cigarettes complies with age-restriction regulations ("OK for stores to record IC data?" by Mr Francis Cheng; Wednesday).

Customers are not required to surrender possession of their ICs to us. Their ICs are returned to them after verification is conducted, and only the date of birth is entered into the system - no other IC data is collected.

The birth date of a person is not considered "personal data" as defined under the Personal Data Protection Act. As such, this additional precautionary measure does not contravene the new Act.

We thank Mr Cheng for his feedback and his comments are noted.

7-Eleven has always worked closely with the regulatory authorities to explore possible enhancement of best practices.

We will review and refine new measures based on feedback from the authorities as well as customers, to ensure we continue to provide a pleasant and enhanced shopping experience.

Patricia Lee (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications Dairy Farm Singapore