Number of Cases of Tech Repair Shops Performing Unauthorised Access of Data on Devices Sent for Repair

Question:

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in each year of the past five years, how many cases have been reported to the police on tech repair shops performing unauthorised access or cloning of data on personal devices sent for repair; (b) how many of these cases are prosecuted; (c) what is the range of sentences meted out for such criminal offences; and (d) whether such punishment needs to be enhanced.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Police do not track the data that the Member requested.

2. Depending on the facts of the case, unauthorised access to computer material could constitute an offence under Section 3 of the Computer Misuse Act. A first-time offender could be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $5,000 or to imprisonment of up to two years or to both. Enhanced penalties are imposed for repeat offenders and for situations where damage is caused. For example, where any damage is caused as a result of the offence, a person could be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $50,000 or to imprisonment of up to seven years or to both.

3. The Ministry assesses that the existing penalties are adequate.