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Singapore mandates age assurance for app stores

Singapore will soon require app stores to implement measures, including age verification, to enhance online safety, particularly for children, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced on January 15.

App stores are also responsible for monitoring app content and are required to review apps and updates before they are released. (Photo: The Straits Times)
App stores are also responsible for monitoring app content and are required to review apps and updates before they are released. (Photo: The Straits Times)

Singapore (VNA) - Singapore will soon require app stores to implement measures, including age verification, to enhance online safety, particularly for children, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced on January 15.

The Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services, to take effect on March 31, mandates systems or processes to determine a user's age or age range.

These measures may include age estimation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, facial age analysis algorithms, or age verification methods that rely on verified sources like digital IDs or credit cards.

The IMDA said that designated services with significant reach or impact, including Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery, Microsoft Store, and Samsung Galaxy Store, must decide on appropriate measures and submit detailed implementation plans.

The move follows the introduction of a similar code in July 2023, which requires designated social media services to minimise users' exposure to harmful content and provide effective, user-friendly reporting tools. Platforms such as Facebook, HardwareZone, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube were designated under that code due to their significant reach or impact”./.

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