Google to screen, block S'pore users under 18 from inappropriate apps by March

Move to protect youth comes after similar roll-outs in US, UK, some European markets

- Lee Li Ying Correspondent

By the end of March 2026, the Google Play store will screen and prevent users estimated to be under 18 years old from downloading inappropriate apps, such as those providing dating services or with sexual content.

On YouTube, users under 18 will also be sent reminders to take a break, and be restricted from repetitively viewing certain content, such as those that idealise specific fitness levels or body weights, or promote social aggression, said Google on Oct 3.

These restrictions come with the roll-out of age assurance measures for app store users, as required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Age assurance measures refer to methods to ascertain a user's age - either by using government-issued identity documents, or by analysing facial age or online usage data.

"This isn't just about giving parents more tools. It's about our systems automatically providing an added layer of protection to ensure that every young person has age appropriate experiences," said Google Singapore managing director Ben King at a Safer with Google event held in its Pasir Panjang office.

Google uses machine learning technologies to estimate a user's age by analysing search terms and content viewed online, among others.

The age assurance measures' implementation in Singapore will come after similar roll-outs in the United States, the United Kingdom and select markets in the European Economic Area.

IMDA's requirement - spelt out in the Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services - will apply to Apple, Google, Huawei, Samsung and Microsoft as they operate stores or online portals for downloading applications.