App stores must block under-18s in S'pore from accessing adult apps

App stores must block young users below 18 years old from downloading apps not meant for their age group, including dating app Tinder and adult video games like Grand Theft Auto.

- Osmond Chia

From March 31, app stores must block young users below 18 years old from downloading apps not meant for their age group, including dating app Tinder and adult video games like Grand Theft Auto.

Under the new Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services, app stores targeting users in Singapore must also block children below 12 from downloading apps like Instagram and TikTok, which are rated for ages 12 and above.

"We recognise that app distribution services are key gateways to accessing apps on our digital devices and are marketplaces for online content including online games," said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in announcing the launch of the new code on Jan 15.

"With more people including children owning mobile devices... there is an increased risk of exposure to harmful content, including age-inappropriate content for children."

Those affected by this code are the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery, Microsoft Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. They will need to screen the age of downloaders - a process referred to as "age assurance" under the code - to minimise children's exposure to harmful content.

App stores are also responsible for monitoring app content, and are required to review apps and updates before they are released. This ensures harmful materials such as sexual or violent content and content related to cyber bullying, self-harm and vice, among others, are kept out of reach of children.