SINGAPORE, Jan 15 — Singapore has issued a code of practice that requires App Distribution Services (ADS) to implement system-level measures, including age assurance measures, to protect users, especially children, from harmful content.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said the Code of Practice for Online Safety for ADS will take effect from March 31 onwards, impacting designated ADSs with significant reach or influence, including the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, the Huawei App Gallery, Microsoft Store, and the Samsung Galaxy Store.
The categories of harmful content include sexual, violent, suicide and self-harm, cyberbullying, endangering public health, as well as content facilitating vice and organised crime.
“Singapore is an early mover in mandating age assurance measures for ADS, including restricting children from accessing and downloading age-inappropriate apps based on age ratings set by the designated ADS.
“Over the next few months, IMDA will continue to engage designated ADSs on the implementation of age assurance measures. The designated ADSs will be required to submit an implementation plan to IMDA,” it said in a statement today.
The code also requires app stores to implement safeguards including parental controls, content moderation, and reporting tools to ensure children can explore, learn, and thrive with access to age-appropriate content, said Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo in a LinkedIn post.
IMDA noted that before the Code’s launch, it had conducted a public consultation in October 2024, where ADSs were also invited to provide feedback.
It will also continue to work closely with the industry on the age assurance requirements and their implementation, taking into account both industry and international practices and standards.
The Straits Times reported that app stores that fail to implement the measures risk being blocked in Singapore under the Broadcasting Act 1994.
Age assurance refers to systems or processes used to establish a person’s age or age range, including the usage of age estimation and age verification.
Age estimation relies on systems or processes to determine a user's likely age or age range, using technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or facial age analysis algorithms.
Meanwhile, age verification depends on verified sources of identification, like digital IDs or credit card details.
— Bernama
