MR CECIL CHUA: 'I wish to point out a worrying practice by the Ministry of Education.

'Primary schools which collaborate with e-learning providers require their students to sign up with these providers to work on online exercises for the school.

'The customary practice is that the child uses his/her NRIC number to sign into the online system. In many cases, the website the child signs into requests more information from the child.

'Why is MOE releasing sensitive information like NRIC numbers to third-party vendors?

'As anyone with an office e-mail account knows, there are other efficient ways to provide mass login information that retains confidentiality. Furthermore, why are these websites requesting information from minors?

'The last time this matter was raised about six months ago the MOE replied that a committee had been formed to look into the matter. Surely a matter concerning confidential information should be addressed more speedily?

'Meanwhile, children are blithely logging in, revealing their NRIC details.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Sept 20, 2008.

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