The Personal Data Protection Act has been in effect in Singapore for nearly five years now.

One area of the law governs the collection of personal data.

However, my experience indicates that the majority of organisations collect far more personal information than necessary without giving any explanation whatsoever.

Recently, I opened a utilities account with SP Group using its online form and was shocked to find out the kind of personal information I was required to provide, including my race and the date of issue of my identity card.

There is no explanation why such personal data is required.

I hope the Personal Data Protection Commission can comment on whether the collection of such data contravenes the Personal Data Protection Act.

Yiu Wing Lit