Singapore limits contact-tracing data access after outcry

21 Sept 14:56 Key points summarised by AI

Singapore's parliament passed a law restricting police access to coronavirus contact-tracing data, following public outcry over privacy concerns.
The 'TraceTogether' program, initially assured for virus-fighting only, faced backlash when officials admitted police had accessed data for investigations, including a murder probe.
The new legislation limits police data access to only seven categories of serious offenses, such as terrorism and rape, rather than cutting it off entirely.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, overseeing the scheme, apologized for the government's failure to clarify police access from the outset, acknowledging the resulting anxiety.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.