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.

Friday, January 17, 2025 14:58

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”./.

VNA

#Singapore #App stores #children #AI

See more

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia readies funds for disaster preparedness

18/08/2026 22:46

The funding for disaster response in East Nusa Tenggara province will initially come from the budget allocated to the BNPB, said Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

Indonesia develops gas technology as part of energy security strategy

18/08/2026 21:43

Indonesia currently relies heavily on LPG imports. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), imports meet about 80% of domestic LPG demand, while domestic production covers only around 20%.

A house damaged by an earthquake on Indonesia’s Flores Island on August 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/ VNA)

Indonesia closes tourist sites after quake, activates nine health centres

18/08/2026 18:52

According to the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the temporarily closed sites include Goa Rangko in West Manggarai, Wae Rebo Traditional Village in Manggarai, and Kelimutu National Park in Ende. The closures aim to ensure visitor safety and facilitate inspections and repairs of earthquake-damaged infrastructure.

Indonesia busts gold smuggling ring

18/08/2026 16:44

Indonesian police have arrested two Indian nationals in an investigation into a suspected network that processed illegally mined gold in Jakarta before smuggling it overseas, including to Dubai, reported the Jakarta Globe.

Myanmar reports over 500 hospitalised cases with severe diarrhea

18/08/2026 16:14

More than 100 new patients were admitted to the hospital on August 13, but the rate of new infections has since decreased.

Ambassadors from five ASEAN member countries, along with representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ben Shemen Forest Management Board, pose for a group photo. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN's 59th founding anniversary celebrated in Israel

18/08/2026 10:37

Relations between Israel and ASEAN countries have expanded in recent years across the fields of trade, investment, technology, agriculture, tourism and innovation.

A post that focuses on Vietnam-Laos relations on the official Facebook page of the Lao national news agency KPL (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam-Laos exchange of experience in building, strengthening State apparatus highlighted

18/08/2026 09:59

Given the similarities in their ideals and paths toward building a new society, Vietnam's experience in State organisation, particularly the role of the National Assembly as the highest legislative and supervisory body and the institution responsible for deciding on major national issues, is of great importance to Laos.

E-commerce helps boost exports for Malaysian businesses

18/08/2026 04:35

The programme, spearheaded by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), has supported more than 2,000 MSMEs through grants, training, technical guidance and capacity-building initiatives.

Rice for sale in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Indonesia to export 1,000 tonnes of premium rice to Malaysia

17/08/2026 22:50

Indonesia has announced plans to export 1,000 tonnes of premium rice to Malaysia, with state-run logistics company Bulog describing the planned shipment as a showcase of the country’s growing food security, Antara news agency reported.

Rescuers search for victims at the scene of a landslide in Baguio, the Philippines, on August 10, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Philippines suspends in-person classes amid heavy rains, flooding

17/08/2026 19:18

Schools and government agencies in affected areas were directed to adopt alternative work arrangements, except for frontline services such as health, disaster response and other essential functions.

ASEAN, India finalise preparations for second maritime exercise

17/08/2026 16:58

The Philippine and Indian navies have finalised preparations for the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) scheduled for September 28 - October 2 in the waters of the Philippines.

Thailand uses tech to convert plastic waste into oil

17/08/2026 16:39

Patcharatarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, deputy spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, said on August 16 that the Government is working to reduce living costs and generate income for the public by applying science, technology, and innovation to turn "waste" around people into career and income opportunities for households while easing the community's landfill burden.

A tug-of-war competition at ASEAN Family Day 2026. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN Family Day 2026 fosters community ties, ASEAN spirit in New York

17/08/2026 15:45

Notably, this was the first time Timor-Leste joined the event as a full ASEAN member.

A green corner of Singapore. (Photo: VNA)

Singapore strives to preserve essential green spaces

17/08/2026 05:13

Singapore's statistics show that its population has now reached around 6.11 million. Rapid population growth is placing significant pressure on land resources and the pace of new development.

A house damaged by the earthquake on Flores Island, Indonesia, August 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia steps up earthquake search, rescue, relief efforts

16/08/2026 17:18

Indonesia is stepping up search and rescue operations and providing assistance to residents following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore near Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province on the morning of August 15, the Indonesian news agency Antara reported.