oBike users have been urged to submit their deposit claims online if they want a refund.

But here's a word of advice: Do not do it.

Asking for too much personal info

The provisional liquidators of oBike Asia have created an online portal, www.obikedepositholders.com.

This is for oBike consumers to submit their claims together with relevant supporting documents to kick start the process of recovering deposits.

However, the website is re-directing users to a Google Docs form that is requesting a whole lot of user details.

The details requested include NRIC number, oBike account name, mobile number and email account used to register with the company, and even a credit card statement.

It is not known how many parties will have access to this information.

Who are the liquidators?

oBike on July 5 announced it has appointed Joshua James Taylor and Yit Chee Wah of FTI Consulting as its provisional liquidators.

The liquidators are working with the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) to collect oBike’s bicycles.

Why is the refund form onerous?

This incident has once again highlighted the onerous process and opaque nature of personal data collection by organisations.

Since November 2017, there has been a greater awareness of privacy issues, such as the tightening of rules regarding the use of the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC).

The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) — Singapore’s privacy watchdog — has been revising guidelines on how NRIC numbers and the physical cards are handled by companies.

Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act, which went fully into force in July 2014, prohibits the indiscriminate collection of consumers’ personal data, and requires organisations to account for the use of the data.

This is so as the NRIC number is a permanent and irreplaceable identifier.

It can be used to unlock vast amounts of personal information, including income details, residential address and medical status.

Consumers in Singapore have the right to refuse to hand over their NRIC details or card when:

• Redeeming free parking from mall operators.

• Entering lucky draws.

• Registering for mall or shop membership.

• Buying online movie tickets.

• Renting bicycles.

Know your rights: